# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Cheese
01 - 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
02 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Meat Sauce
06 - 1 lb ground beef, lean
07 - 1 lb Italian sausage, sweet or spicy, casing removed
08 - 4 cups marinara sauce
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon salt
13 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
03 - Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the meat until completely browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
04 - Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
06 - Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
07 - Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the base.
08 - Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the mozzarella, then add another layer of meat sauce.
09 - Repeat the layering sequence: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of mozzarella, and meat sauce.
10 - Finish with the final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
11 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
12 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
13 - Remove from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
