Lasagna with Basil and Fennel

Indulge in the comforting layers of this **Lasagna with Basil and Fennel**, a crave-worthy twist on the classic Italian dish. Featuring tender lasagna noodles, rich and aromatic meat sauce infused with fresh fennel and garlic, and a trio of creamy cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—this recipe is packed with bold, fresh flavors. Robust crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and hand-torn basil leaves create a savory sauce that perfectly complements the hearty layers. Topped with golden, bubbly cheese, this lasagna is baked to perfection and makes for an impressive yet approachable crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna recipe is your go-to for satisfying comfort food with a vibrant, herbaceous flair. Perfectly portioned for 8 servings, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a meal that’s both hearty and memorable.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 sheets Lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 small Fennel bulb
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and fennel bulb, and sauté them in the skillet until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Roughly chop the fresh basil and stir it into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Step 7

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Step 8

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times.

Step 10

Finish with a top layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the remaining meat sauce and a final generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese on top is golden.

Step 12

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3103.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5745.1

Total Fat 247.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 111.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 1021.8mg	0%
Sodium 6264.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 611.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.1g	0%
Total Sugars 64.8g
Protein 316.6g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 4738.9mg	0%
Iron 42.2mg	0%
Potassium 5750.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.5%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 41.2%