To create Classic Meat or Vegetarian Lasagna, follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Meat (for Meat Lasagna): In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and add marinara sauce. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare Vegetables (for Vegetarian Lasagna): In a separate pan, sauté the mixed vegetables in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes, until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
4. Mix the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
– Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
– Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, ensuring they don’t overlap.
– Layer half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce (or vegetable mixture for vegetarian).
– Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
– Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan.
6. Cover the Dish: Tightly cover the lasagna with aluminum foil, shiny side up, to prevent sticking.
7. Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let Rest: After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

By following these clear instructions, you can create your own lasagna masterpiece with minimal hassle!