🍝 Creamy Baked Meat Lasagna

Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked
until golden and irresistible. One bite and you’ll understand why this
dish becomes an instant favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups marinara or meat sauce
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (optional, for creamier layers)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Italian seasoning, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion until fully cooked.
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce and
   seasonings. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg (if using), a pinch of salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   Add a layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce,
   mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake
   another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.