Lasagna is a classic Italian dish made with layers of lasagna noodles, meat sauce (typically containing ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and herbs), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes a béchamel sauce. Here’s a basic recipe outline:

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Fresh basil and parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• Lasagna seasoning mix (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lasagna seasoning (if using), and herbs. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a handful of chopped herbs. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread about a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, ending with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent sticking, you can lightly oil the foil that will touch the cheese).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Serve:
   • Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna!