Oven Baked Lasagna Recipe

Preparation Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Cook the Meat (if using)

   In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. 3

   Prepare the Cheese Mixture

   In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

4. 4

   Layer the Lasagna

   In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cooked meat (if using), a third of the mozzarella cheese, and a third of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat, mozzarella, and marinara. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. 5

   Bake the Lasagna

   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. 6

   Let it Rest

   Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.