Classic Lasagne

Classic Lasagne

1 pound good ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 tbsp good olive oil
1 can (about 14 ounces) good quality tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 to 3 cups water
1 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
a couple of cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp oregano leaves
1/2 tsp basil leaves
8 ounces lasagne noodles
1 pound good quality ricotta cheese
8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1 cup good quality Parmesan cheese

In a heavy pan, lightly brown the ground beef along with the onion in the olive oil. Add the tomatoes (finely chopped if whole), tomato paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic, pepper, basil, and oregano. Gently simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the lasagne noodles according to the package direction. Drain the noodles. In a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spread about one cup of the sauce on the bottom. Then alternate layers of lasagne noodles, sauce, ricotta, Mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Repeat, ending with the sauce, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 F for about 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly. Allow to stand for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. Yield: about 8 servings