THE Best Lasagna EVER

Instructions

1. 01

   In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Toss around with a wooden spoon and cook until onions are softened and slightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Be careful as the garlic can easily burn.

2. 02

   Once the onions are cooked, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

3. 03

   Once meat is browned, drain any juices in the pot. Return to heat and pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce and add a little water to the jars, shake a bit and pour into the pot.

4. 04

   Add tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, dried basil, Italian Seasoning, fennel seeds and red pepper flakes. Stir to make sure everything is combined. Turn the heat to low and simmer for at least 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours to reduce the water and enhance the flavour. Skim the fat on top and stir occasionally, tasting the sauce and adjusting the seasonings to your preference.

5. 05

   Once sauce is finished cooking, turn off the heat and preheat the oven to 375F.

6. 06

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and egg yolk. Add the ricotta, mozzarella pieces and parmesan and stir until well combined. Mix in salt, pepper, cayenne (if using) and chopped parsley. Set aside.

7. 07

   Fill a large pot with water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bring to a boil.

8. 08

   Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions.

9. 09

   Once noodles are cooked, drain and rinse and place in a large bowl with cold water.

10. 10

    Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce into the bottom of a deep 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 1/3 of the noodles and spread 1/2 of the cheese filling on top. Repeat with 1/4 meat sauce, 1/3 noodles, remaining cheese filling, 1/4 meat sauce, remaining noodles and remaining meat sauce. Top with mozzarella pieces and shredded parmesan.

11. 11

    Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil is not touching the cheese. Place dish on a larger baking sheet incase anything leaks out.

12. 12

    Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top of the lasagna is nice and golden and bubbling.

13. 13

    Remove from oven and allow to set for 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!