Choosing the Right Dutch Oven

Before we get started with the recipe, it's important to choose the right Dutch oven. Look for one that is large enough to fit all the ingredients and has a tight-fitting lid. A cast iron Dutch oven is a great option as it distributes heat evenly and retains it for a long time. Make sure to season your Dutch oven properly before using it for the first time.

Gathering the Ingredients

To make this Dutch oven lasagna, you'll need the following ingredients: - 9 lasagna noodles - 1 pound ground beef - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling the lasagna.

Cooking the Meat Sauce

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat from the Dutch oven. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basiland dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now it's time to assemble the lasagna layers. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the Dutch oven. Place three lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping them. Spread a layer of meat sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.

Baking the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the covered Dutch oven in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Once done, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.