A delicious and hearty lasagna recipe with a cheesy twist, perfect for family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed, then set aside.
Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add the marinara spaghetti sauce and water to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
This prevents the noodles from sticking to the dish.
Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them to fit.
Break noodles if necessary to fit the dish.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Use a spatula for an even layer.
Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
Spread evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Repeat the layers: noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Ensure even distribution for balanced layers.
Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.
Press down gently to compact the layers.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
Covering prevents the top from drying out.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
This creates a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Resting helps the layers set for easier slicing.