Classic Beef Lasagna

Get into the world of comfort food with a classic beef lasagna recipe. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce , and savoury beef come together in this mouthwatering dish that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this beef lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let's get started on this delicious journey! 

Ingredients: 

For the meat sauce: 

• 450g beef mince meat 
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 
• 1 teaspoon Marina Braai Salt with Spices 
• ½ teaspoon Marina Lighthouse Salt 
• ¼ teaspoon Marina Lighthouse Pepper 

For the cheese filling: 

- 2 cups ricota cheese

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese 

- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsely 

- 1 large egg, lightly beaten 

- ½ teaspoon Marina Lighthouse Salt

- ¼ teaspoon Marina Lighthouse Pepper 

For assembling the lasagna: 

- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions 

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions: 

- Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius 

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant. 

- Add the beef mince meat to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. 

- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, Marina Braai salt, salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. Set the meat sauce aside. 

- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, choped parsely, beaten egg, salt and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. 

- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. 

- Spread a generous layer of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by a layer of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarela and grated parmesan cheese over the sauce. 

- Repeat the layering process, using lasagna noodles, cheese filling, meat sauce, and the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. You should have enough ingredients for about three layers. 

- Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additioanl 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. 

- Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions. 

Serve the beef lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. 

Enjoy this hearty beef lasagna with your loved ones, savouring every layer of deliciousness! Happy cooking and bon appetit!