Ingredients:
- Tbsp Olive Oil
- large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- cloves Garlic, minced
- lbs Ground Beef (80/20 recommended)
- Tbsp Tomato Paste
- tsp Dried Oregano
- tsp Dried Basil
- /2 cup Red Wine (Optional)
- oz can Crushed Tomatoes
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- large Egg
- /4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- /2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Pinch of Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- Oven-Ready/No-Boil Lasagna Pasta Sheets
- cups (12 oz) Low-Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella, shredded
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ragu: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute). Add ground beef, break up with a spoon, and brown thoroughly. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute. If using, deglaze with red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and reduce slightly.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook for at least 25 minutes to allow flavours to meld.
- Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, 1/2 cup Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until just combined.
- Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer (about 1 cup) of Ragu across the bottom of the dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce.
- Evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella over the ricotta, followed by one-third of the remaining Ragu.
- Repeat the layering: Place the second pasta layer, spread the remaining ricotta, sprinkle another third of the mozzarella, and top with more Ragu.
- Top with the final pasta sheets, the remaining Ragu, the final portion of mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
- Baking & Resting: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
- Crucial Step: Let the lasagna rest on the counter for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the structure to set.