Lasagna

Super comforting in this colder weather. Double the recipe and make two lasagnas, cook one, and freeze the other. You can thaw it out a separate day or later on in the month and enjoy it then. The holiday season is busy enough without us having to worry what's for dinner.

Let's get started.

Lasagna

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage

1 Onion

5-6 Cloves of Garlic, minced

2 Red Bell Peppers

2 Celery Ribs, chopped

2 Carrots, chopped

1 28 oz. Can Tomato Sauce

1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste

1 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning

6 Basil Leaves, chopped

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 15 oz. Pkg. Ricotta Cheese

1 Egg

1 6 oz. pkg. Pesto

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, freshly grated

1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

Lasagna Noodles

In a Dutch oven, heat up the olive oil. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, peppers, and garlic for 3-5 minutes.  Season with Italian seasoning, and salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add in the tomatoes sauce, tomato paste, and basil. Let cook until all of the vegetables have softened and then place in a blender and blend to make your sauce.

Using the same pot, add in the ground beef, and sausage. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, sauté for 8-10 minutes. Add the sauce back into the pot and allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes. 

Meanwhile cook your lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a bowl, add in the ricotta cheese, pesto, egg, a pinch of salt, pepper, and stir until well combined. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. 

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a 9x13 casserole pan, add a layer of your meat sauce, a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of ricotta, a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Using the same pattern continue to layer until you reach the last layer of noodles, then add a last layer of meat sauce, mozzarella, and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. 

Serve and enjoy.

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