For the Lasagna:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is softened.
- Add Tomato Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, beat the egg and mix it with ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Assemble Lasagna:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer lasagna as follows:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place three lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with a portion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer lasagna as follows:
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
For the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat Broiler:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- In a bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Slice and Spread:
- Slice the Italian bread or baguette and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the slices.
- Broil:
- Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve the garlic bread alongside the lasagna.
Enjoy your delicious lasagna with garlic bread!