Lovable Lasagna

Prep time: 45 mins                   Cook time: 2 hours               Servings: 8

1. Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat until the meat is well browned, around 7-8 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, wine, sugar, fennel seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low simmer then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced by about half. Let the sauce cool for around 30 minutes before using. The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

2. While the sauce cooks, add the ricotta, egg, parsley, and nutmeg to a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble the lasagna.

3. Using a pasta machine, roll out the prepared pasta dough into thin sheets then cut into 8 to 10 inch sections or cut to fit your baking dish.

4. Working in batches, cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for around 30 seconds to 1 minute until softened then drain.

5. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13 lasagna dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

6. To assemble, spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish then add a layer of noodles. Spread on a third of the ricotta mixture, then top with ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheeses.

7. Repeat the process 2 more times; sauce, noodles, ricotta, and cheese. For the top layer add the remaining sauce and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake and additional 20-25 minutes. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.