Classic Lasagna

Classic Lasagna
* 12 Servings
* Prep: 45 min.
* Bake: 55 min. + standing

Ingredients

1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cans (28 ounces each)Diced Tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon each sugar, dried oregano and basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 egg
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 package (12 ounces) lasagna noodles, cooked, rinsed and drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

* In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, beef, onion, carrot, garlic and pepper flakes over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

* Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally.

* In a small bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and remaining pepper.

* In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a fourth of the noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, a fourth of the meat sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with the remaining noodles, sauce and Parmesan.

* Cover and bake at 400° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella; bake, uncovered, 10 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 12 servings.