Hearty Lasagna Recipe

Hearty Lasagna Recipe
* 12 Servings
* Prep: 1-3/4 hours
* Bake: 45 min. + standing

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) Tomato Sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 carrots, halved
2 celery ribs, halved
12 ounces lasagna noodles
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

* In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onion is tender; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt and pepper. Place carrots and celery in sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

* Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain; rinse in cold water. Remove and discard carrots and celery.

* In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer one-third of the noodles, one-third of the meat sauce, one-third of the ricotta, one-third of the mozzarella and one-third of the Parmesan. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining noodles and meat sauce.

* Cut a heart out of aluminum foil and center on top of sauce. Dollop and spread remaining ricotta around heart. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Remove and discard foil heart. Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.