Classic Lasagna

The main course for the South Arm Community Kitchen is a Classic Lasagna.

Lasagna noodle is a wide and flat type of pasta.

Kids will love this cheesy Classic Lasagna. It is great for pot luck.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 tub (475g) extra smooth ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 pinch pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 2 cans tomato sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil

Source: this recipe is adapted from Canadian Living

Serves 12

Instructions

To prepare the tomato meat sauce, in a deep sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat; cook onions until translucent.

Add garlic, carrot and celery, stirring occasionally, until vegetables softened, about 5 minutes.

Add beef; breaking up with back of wooden spoon; cook until browned and liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes.

Add oregano, basil (if using dried ones) and black pepper.

Add bay leaves.

Stir in tomato paste.

Add tomatoes and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.Stir in fresh basil (if using). The tomato meat sauce can be make ahead. Let cool for 30 minutes; refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days).

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook noodles for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente.

Drain.

Arrange noodles in single layer on towels.

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, eggs and pepper.

Stir until smooth.

Discard bay leaves from meat sauce.

In a 13″x9″ (3L) baking dish, spread 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce.

Arrange noodles over top.

Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.

Top with 2 1/2 cups of the meat sauce, then another layer of noodles.

Top with ricotta mixture.

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly with a spatula.

Top with noodles.

Repeat with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover with aluminium foil. Bake in 375ºF (190ºC) oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until cheese is golden, about 15 minutes.

Loosely cover with foil and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Cut into squares to serve. If make ahead; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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