Easy Homemade Lasagna

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 36 ounces pasta sauce *see note
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
3. Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Taste and season with additional salt if desired.
4. In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, ricotta, parsley, egg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
5. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in a 9x13 pan or casserole dish. Top it with 3 lasagna noodles. Layer with 1 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat twice more. Finish with 3 noodles topped with remaining sauce.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the lasagna with 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
8. Rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting.