Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this traditional lasagna recipe. Layers of tender pasta, savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together to create a comforting dish that's perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Buon appetito!

Here's a classic recipe for Italian lasagna:

Ingredients:

 - 1 pound (450g) of lasagna noodles

 - 1 pound (450g) of ground beef

 - 1 onion, chopped

 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced

 - 1 can (28 ounces/800g) of crushed tomatoes

 - 1 can (6 ounces/170g) of tomato paste

 - 1/2 cup (120ml) of water

 - 2 tablespoons of olive oil

 - 1 teaspoon of dried basil

 - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1 pound (450g) of ricotta cheese

 - 1 egg

 - 1/2 cup (50g) of grated Parmesan cheese

 - 2 cups (200g) of shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.

4- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

5- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.

7- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the meat sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

8- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

9- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values :

Here's the approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients in the lasagna recipe. Keep in mind that actual values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used:

Lasagna Noodles (1 pound / 450g):

  - Calories:1,600

  - Fat: 8 g

  - Carbohydrates: 340 g

  - Protein: 50 g

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein.

Ground Beef (1 pound / 450g):

  - Calories:1,000 (based on 80% lean)

  - Fat: 80 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 80 g

Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.

Onion (1, chopped):

  - Calories:45

  - Fat:0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates:11 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin C.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories:9

  - Fat:0 g

  - Carbohydrates:2 g

  - Protein:0.4 g

Benefits: Adds flavor, has antimicrobial properties, and contains antioxidants.

Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces / 800g):

  - Calories:80

  - Fat:0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates:18 g

  - Protein:3 g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, and supports heart health.

Tomato Paste (1 can, 6 ounces / 170g):

  - Calories:60

  - Fat:0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates:13 g

  - Protein:2 g

Benefits: Concentrated source of tomatoes; rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Water (1/2 cup / 120ml):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Essential for consistency of the sauce.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories:240

  - Fat:28 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and supports heart health.

Dried Basil (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories:1

  - Fat:0 g

  - Carbohydrates:0.2 g

  - Protein:0 g

Benefits:Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories:3

  - Fat:0 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein:0 g

Benefits:Adds flavor, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Salt (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor (use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake).

Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 6 (per teaspoon)

  - Fat: 0.2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

  - Protein: 0.2 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

Ricotta Cheese (1 pound / 450g):

  - Calories:300

  - Fat: 24 g

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein:14 g

Benefits: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health and muscle function.

Egg (1):

  - Calories: 70

  - Fat:5 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein:6 g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, E, and B12.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup / 50g):

  - Calories: 215

  - Fat: 14 g

  - Carbohydrates:1.5 g

  - Protein:19 g

Benefits: Adds rich flavor; high in protein and calcium.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups / 200g):

  - Calories: 640

  - Fat: 48 g

  - Carbohydrates: 4 g

  - Protein: 40 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and creaminess; high in protein and calcium.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.