Preheat the oven to 375 deg F.

Cook ground beef in a big skillet over medium heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir in pasta sauce.

Spread one-third meat sauce in a lightly greased 12 x 8-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 uncooked noodles over sauce. Spread half of ricotta cheese over noodles; sprinkle with one-third of mozzarella cheese. Do the same thing all over again with half of remaining meat sauce, remaining noodles, remaining ricotta, and half of remaining mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Carefully pour 1/4 cup HOT water around inside edge of dish. Tightly cover with 2 layers of aluminum foil.

Bake at 375 deg F for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes. Remove baking dish from the oven using oven mitts. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.