Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients:

Cheese Filling

15 oz. ricotta cheese, 2 cups

1 large egg

2 cups mozzarella cheese

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ tsp pepper

Bolognese Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 yellow onion, finely diced

¾ lb. ground beef

¾ lb. ground Italian sausage

3 cloves garlic

½ cup chicken broth

40 oz. marinara sauce, see notes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles, plus extra in case of breakage

2.5 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Prep Work

Combine the cheese filling ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients.

Make the Bolognese Sauce

Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onions. Let them soften for 10 minutes. (This allows them to release a little sugar which is a nice offset to the acidity of the tomatoes.)

Add the ground beef and sausage and increase heat to medium-high. Use a spatula to break up the meat so that it’s very fine and crumbled. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Add garlic during the last minute. Drain excess grease.

Add the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the pot. Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover partially and let the sauce simmer gently while you boil the pasta noodles.

Preheat Oven and Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Preheat oven to 375°.

Begin boiling a large pot of salted pasta water for the lasagna noodles. Once a rapid boil is reached, cook the noodles to al dente according to package instructions. (Set a timer to ensure you don’t overcook them.) Gently stir with a wooden spoon throughout cooking to prevent the noodles from sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water until noodles are completely cool.

Lay the cooled noodles flat on wax or parchment paper while you begin assembling the lasagna.

Assemble

Spread 1 heaping cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Next, add 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping them if needed.

Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce.

Top with 4 more lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, 1 ½ cups meat sauce.

Finish with 4 more lasagna noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and the rest of the meat sauce.

Top with 2 ½ cups of Mozzarella cheese.

Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray and place it spray-side-down on top of the baking dish to prevent the cheese from sticking to it.

Bake

Bake for 35 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 10 more minutes.

Remove and garnish with fresh parsley. Let it sit for 15 minutes prior to serving to allow the layers to set. Serve with garlic bread with cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 487kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 107mg, Sodium: 1207mg, Potassium: 632mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 968IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 396mg, Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 3 months.

Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Can I substitute the meat with something else for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives such as vegetarian ground meat or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.

What type of marinara sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own homemade marinara sauce.

Choose one with a flavor profile that you enjoy, whether it’s traditional, garlic and herb, spicy, or any other variety.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles if you prefer.

However, you may need to adjust the amount of sauce or add extra liquid to ensure that the noodles cook properly and are not too dry.

How can I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the foil during baking?

To prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese during baking, spray the underside of the foil with nonstick cooking spray before covering the lasagna.

This will create a barrier between the cheese and the foil, making it easier to remove after baking.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly grated Parmesan?

While pre-shredded cheese can be used, freshly grated Parmesan typically yields better flavor and texture due to its freshness and quality.

Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

However, keep in mind that it may affect the overall flavor profile slightly.

Is it necessary to use both ground beef and Italian sausage in the Bolognese sauce?

Using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth of flavor to the Bolognese sauce, but you can use just one type of meat if desired.

Can I omit the hot sauce in the Bolognese sauce?

Yes, you can omit the hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.

Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling the lasagna?

Yes, the lasagna noodles should be cooked to al dente according to package instructions before assembling the lasagna.

This ensures they are fully cooked during baking.

Can I assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together while boiling?

Stir the lasagna noodles occasionally while boiling to prevent them from sticking together. Adding a splash of olive oil to the boiling water can also help prevent sticking.

What can I serve as a side dish with this lasagna?

Garlic bread with cheese, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement this hearty lasagna.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna for later use?

Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

How long should I let the lasagna cool before serving?

Allow the lasagna to cool for about 15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set before slicing and serving.

This helps prevent the lasagna from falling apart when serving.