Easy Beef Lasagna

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. 2
   Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. 3
   Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned.
4. 4
   Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and turn down the heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
5. 5
   Place the ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 3/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
6. 6
   To assemble the lasagna, spoon about a half cup of the meat sauce into the baking dish to cover the bottom. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce. Drop about 1/3 of the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the noodles, and gently spread it into an even layer. Spoon 1/4 of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta. Repeat the layering process two more times. Place the last 3-4 lasagna noodles over the top of the dish, and cover with the last 1/4 of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in an even layer over the top of the lasagna.
7. 7
   Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
8. 8
   Bake the lasagna for 40 minutes on the middle rack of oven.
9. 9
   Remove the aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes longer, until the cheese on top is golden-brown and the dish is bubbling at the edges.
10. 10
    Check to see that lasagnas done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
11. 11
    Remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the lasagna to rest for 20 minutes before serving.