Beef Lasagna

By Shivani

Ingredients

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork or chicken (optional -if you don't want to use any other meats 2 lbs of beef is fine)
• 1/2 med onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 tsp dried Basil chopped
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6oz) can of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 tub of ricotta cheese
• 1 sml box of baby spinach cooked

Preparation

Step 1

1. Get the oven ready lasagna noodles and soak 12 in hot water for 15 mins.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. In a big pot brown the meat. Once browned add the onion and garlic.
4. When the onions have turned a little translucent add all your seasonings. Now add your crushed tomatoes and the tomato paste and water.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer until the liquid reduce by at least half and the consistency becomes saucier.
6. In a separate pot cook down your spinach with a bit of salt and pepper and olive oil.
7. Once the spinach is cooked let it cool a little before mixing it with you ricotta cheese.
8. Once all your components are ready you can assemble.

ASSEMBLY:
***Your sauce will be used in all 4 layers, before the noodles and at the end***
**The ricotta cheese is used in 2 layers**
***The grated cheese is used in 3 layers***
***Measure everything out to ensure you have enough for each layer***
1. In a 9x 13 baking dish - spread at least 1 cup to 1 1/2 c of the meat sauce.
2. Remove 4 of the lasagna noodles from the water bath and evenly place them in the sauce. 1/2 the ricotta cheese mixture. 1/4 of the grated cheese. Some of the meat sauce.
3. Remove 4 more of the lasagna noodles from the water bath and evenly space them on top of the first layer. Add the rest of the ricotta cheese, 1/4 of the grated cheese and some more of the meat sauce.
4. Place the reminder of the 4 noodles on top - cover them in the meat sauce and a generous layer of cheese.
5. Cover the pan in foil and bake in the over for 30 minutes.
6. After 30 mins, remove the foil and bake for another 25 mins.
7. Cool for 10 min before serving.