Sausage Lasagna with Garlic Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Sausage Ragu

   • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break it into small pieces until browned.
   • Drain off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper. Stir until well combined.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour for deeper flavor), stirring occasionally.
2. 2

   Mix the Ricotta Filling

   • While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, 0.5 cup of the grated Parmesan, the beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley.
   • Season with the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper.
   • Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. Set aside.
3. 3

   Assemble the Lasagna

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
   • Spread 1.5 cups of the sausage ragu evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
   • Arrange a single layer of no-boil noodles over the sauce. You may need to break some noodles to fit the dish perfectly.
   • Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Top with another 1.5 cups of the sausage ragu.
   • Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another 1.5 cups of ragu.
   • Place the final layer of noodles on top. Spread the rest of the sausage ragu over the noodles, ensuring they are fully covered.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and 0.5 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. 4

   Bake to Golden Perfection

   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and helps cook the noodles.
   • Bake for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil.
   • Continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
   • If you like a crispier top, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. 5

   Rest, Slice, and Serve

   • Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
   • This crucial step allows the layers to set, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it.
   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.