How To Make The Ultimate Lasagna

Making the ultimate lasagna involves several steps and attention to detail to ensure it's rich, flavorful, and delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the ultimate lasagna:

**Ingredients:**

For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf

For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:**
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it's browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf once done.

2. **Prepare the Cheese Filling:**
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. **Assemble the Lasagna:**
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese filling over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cheese filling, meat sauce, until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a layer of meat sauce on top.

5. **Bake:**
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.

6. **Finish with Cheese:**
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. **Let it Rest:**
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

8. **Serve:**
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Slice and serve your ultimate lasagna hot. Enjoy!

This recipe takes some time and effort, but the result is a mouthwatering, hearty lasagna that's sure to impress your family and friends.