Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, and cook until browned. Make sure to break the meat into small crumbles while cooking.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. While the Bolognese sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some olive oil.
6. Spread a layer of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Repeat this layering process until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Once the lasagna is baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
And there you have it! A mouthwatering Bolognese lasagna that will transport you to the streets of Italy. Serve it with a side salad and enjoy!
Remember, practice makes perfect. So don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly how you imagined it. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time to suit your preference and make this recipe your own. Buon appetito!