Cheesy Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors, stirring occasionally. If using, add tomato paste and red wine, allowing the mixture to reduce and thicken slightly.
2. Mix the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside. Fold in lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and some provolone cheese if using. Repeat layers, ending with a top layer of noodles covered with remaining beef sauce and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.