Joy Behar Lasagna Recipe
This Joy Behar lasagna recipe is a classic Italian-American dish, perfect for family gatherings and comforting meals. It features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for a symphony of flavors.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Large bowl
- 9”x 12”x 2” casserole or baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 ½ lbs sweet Italian sausage out of casings
- 28 ounces Italian-style crushed tomatoes
- 1 16 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano or 1 1/2 tablespoons if using dried
- ½ cup basil leaves chopped
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- 1 1 lb box lasagna noodles
- 1 lb whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 extra large egg
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for sprinkling at end
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and position the oven rack in the middle.
- To make the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook over medium-low heat until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add the garlic and stir for one more minute. Then add the sausage and cook over medium-low heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
- Soak lasagna noodles in hot tap water.
- While the sauce is simmering, make the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of Parmesan, the beaten egg, chopped parsley, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Ladle one third of the meat sauce into a 9”x 12”x 2” casserole or baking pan. Spread the sauce over the bottom of the dish.
- Add approximately half the pasta (in one layer, cover the sauce with the noodles).
- Top that with half the sliced mozzarella, half the cheese mixture, and one third of the sauce.
- Add another single layer of noodles, mozzarella, ricotta, and the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This lasagna is pure comfort food. The layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella create a symphony of flavors. It's a great way to feed a crowd.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients used. For accurate values, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
