Ultimate Lasagna Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and pork over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and red wine (if using). Mix well.
6. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
8. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a layer of the Bolognese sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of Bolognese sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
11. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
12. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your ultimate lasagna Bolognese!