Lasagna with Cream Sauce and Crisp Topping

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook the 12 lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 6 minutes; season with 1 tsp salt.

Step 3

Stir 2 cups marinara sauce into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4

In a bowl, mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan; season with a pinch of salt.

Step 5

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer 4 noodles, then half the remaining meat sauce, then half the cream mixture. Repeat layers, ending with noodles.

Step 6

Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden on top, about 25 minutes.

Step 7

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing; the top should be crisp and the layers set.