Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium high heat. Add lasagna noodles, olive oil and salt and cook until al dente (fully cooked but still firm), or according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside in the pot.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until the oil is sizzling hot. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add onion and garlic. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender. Pour tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and parsley. Stir well to mix and bring the meat sauce to a simmer. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes uncovered. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, beaten egg, and parsley. Stir well to combine together.

Step 5

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Step 6

Noodles: Place 3 lasagna noodles evenly apart over the meat sauce.

Step 7

Cheese: Spread 1/2 of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

Step 8

Sauce: Spread 1/2 the remaining meat sauce on top.

Step 9

Noodles: Top with another layer of 3 lasagna noodles.

Step 10

Cheese: Spread remaining half of cheese mixture.

Step 11

Noodles: Top with last 3 pieces of lasagna noodles.

Step 12

Sauce: Add remaining meat sauce on top.

Step 13

Shredded cheese: Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 14

Lightly grease a large piece of aluminum foil and cover the pan with the greased side inside. Greasing the foil prevents the melted cheese from sticking to the foil while baking. Bake the lasagna covered for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the melted cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. Optionally, turn on broiler on high and broil for 3-4 minutes to get a crispy and brown cheesy crust. But keep a close eye on the broiler as things can burn quickly.

Step 15

Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.