Sweet Italian Sausage Lasagna

This week’s meal prep is a family favorite. I always make extra for leftover servings and like a good pizza, it just tastes better the second time around too. The sweet Italian sausage lasagna is perfect for a Sunday family dinner or to freeze for another time. Either way, the recipe is easy and a fan favorite.

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Sweet Italian Sausage Lasagna

ALL YOU NEED:

• 1 pound of sweet italian sasauge
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1/3 cup of chopped shallots
• 2 Tablespoons of my garlic paste concoction
• 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste
• 1 Jar of your favorite tomato sauce
• 2 Tablespoons of white sugar
• 2 teaspoons of dried basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
• 1/2 a teaspoon of anise seeds
• Lasagna Noodles (regular old school noodles NOT the “no-bake” version)
• 16 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1 Egg
• 1 Pound of Mozzarella
• 1 Pound of Parmesan Cheese
• EVOO
• Dash of salt and pepper

WHAT TO DO:

1. Preheat oven to375
2. In a Dutch oven begin to heat the EVOO, add the shallots and garlic. Then add the sausage and ground meat. Brown over medium heat.
3. Add all the tomato sauce and paste and water. Stir and mix.
4. Add in sugar and all the dry ingredients.
5. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in noodles. Drain and rinse with cold water.
7. In mixing bowl combine ricotta and egg.
8. Assemble: Layer bottom of lasagna dish with meat sauce / noodles / ricotta mixture and cheese / repeat layers. Top layer, cover in mozzarella cheese and parmessan.
9. Prepare 1 pie sheet in glass pie pan (spray glass with nonstick spray or butter)
10. Cover with foil (not too tight on top so it doesn’t stick to the cheese)
11. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and back for 15-20 more minutes.