Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 pound ground beef, chicken, or ground spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes ((or 3 cups tomato sauce))
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano ((or 2 teaspoons dried))
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves ((or 2 teaspoons dried))
  • 1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (using more or less to your taste)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 4 ounces mozzarella, torn
  • fresh thyme or basil, for serving

Instruction

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven safe skillet. When the oil shimmers, add the ground meat and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the bell pepper, garlic, oregano, thyme, fennel, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low. Add the tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking.4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, fontina, 1/2 cup pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.5. To assemble, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mix down the length of the noodle. Roll into a coil and place each seam-side down in the skillet as you go, snuggling the roll into the sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup pesto evenly over everything. Add the mozzarella.6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is lightly browned on top. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh basil and thyme, if desired. Enjoy!