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My go-to dinner for feeding the family, Pesto Bolognese Lasagna. Slow cooked Italian style Bolognese sauce with a mix of beef, peppers, sweet tomatoes, and herbs. All layered with basil pesto ricotta, provolone cheese, and no-boil lasagna noodles. This is the classic lasagna updated with an easier method and so much more flavor. Serve this topped with a generous amount of parmesan cheese for a comforting lasagna that everyone will love. This is a great make ahead dinner to serve to family or use for your next holiday dinner party.
We’re officially just one week from Christmas Eve, and two weeks from New Year’s Eve. I’m hoping that soon everyone will be settling into a much slower holiday mode, and preparing to spend some time with family and friends over the next couple of weeks.
For me, I have a few more busy days ahead. But I’m really looking forward to at least a couple of days off. I’ll be spending time with my parents, siblings, and cousins who will all be with us this Christmas. And little miss Asher and I have a Christmas afternoon planned later this week. It’s truly my favorite time of year. I love that no matter how busy or crazy things are with work and life, everything slows for a couple of days, the snow falls (hopefully), and we all just take a minute to breath.
All of my siblings are already here except Brendan and Lyndsie, but the rest of the family arrives this Friday. Before the chaos that comes with eighteen people arrives, I’m attempting to get ahead by prepping a few dinners. It’s much easier said than done, but as said, lasagna are my go-to when it comes to feeding the masses.
I make one white lasagna, and one or two more classic lasagna. Last week I shared my favorite white pesto lasagna. This week it’s time for the more classic, Bolognese style, lasagna.
This is without a doubt everyone’s favorite dish. The boys of the house look forward to this lasagna ever single year. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love it. Unless you are vegetarian in which case you should definitely check out my white lasagna.
The secret is all in the sauce. A slow cooked Bolognese sauce is what makes for the best, classic lasagna. I like to make mine with a mix of vegetables, spicy Italian sausage, lean ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and milk (for richness). It’s basically my slow cooker Bolognese pasta, but instead of serving over pasta, we’re layering it into a lasagna.
You can cook the sauce in as little as thirty minutes. But I will not lie, it’s so much better if you can simmer the sauce over a low heat for a couple of hours. Even better? Simmer the sauce all day and then let chill overnight in the fridge. The added sitting time really allows for the flavors to mend and become mouth wateringly delicious. Obviously do what you have time for, either way this will be delicious. But if you can plan ahead, I would recommend doing so. Just make the sauce a day or two ahead of assembling the lasagna.
When you have the sauce all ready to go, it’s time to assemble.
The second secret to my lasagna is all in the cheese. Instead of just using ricotta, which in my opinion can sometimes be on the bland side if not seasoned properly, I like to mix a little basil pesto into the ricotta for extra flavor. You all know how much I love pesto. So I always have either some homemade or store-bought on hand to create quick dinners. It’s my go-to pantry ingredient that adds so much flavor.
I swirled a good amount of pesto into the ricotta. Then I layered with the Bolognese sauce, provolone cheese, and no-boil lasagna noodles.
If you wanted to add even another layer of flavor, a lot of times I’ll top my lasagna with pepperoni. I highly recommend this if you’re feeding a crowd that loves pizza. The pepperoni are always a hit.
I like to serve my lasagna with a wintry salad, the family’s favorite bread, and my spicy pomegranate mule for the ultimate welcoming holiday dinner.
What’s great about serving up a dish like lasagna is that I can make them completely ahead of time and have them baking when everyone shows up for dinner.
The best part though?
The smell, oh my goodness, it’s good. And trust me, this lasagna tastes just as good too.
If you make this lasagna, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Pesto Bolognese Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store bought
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn
- 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles
- grated parmesan and fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes or until the onion is fragrant and beginning to caramelize. Add the bell pepper, garlic, sausage, and beef, brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes.2. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, bay leaves, milk, and 1 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook over medium for 30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Or cook, covered, for up to 3 hours over low heat, stirring occasionally. The longer you can cook, the more flavorful. Remove the bay leaves and discard. If your sauce seems thick, add 1/2 cup additional water to thin.4. In a medium bowl combine the ricotta and pesto.5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Spread 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce onto the bottom of the dish. Top with 3-4 lasagna sheets. Spread with 1/2 the ricotta cheese mixture, another 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce, and half of the provolone. Place another 3-4 lasagna noodles on top. Then top with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, another 1/4 of the Bolognese sauce, and the remaining provolone. Add the remaining lasagna noodles and pour the remaining Bolognese sauce over top. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top has bubbled up and browned a bit. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Hi Tieghan ! I’m going to make this for a dinner party I’m hosting next week. What appetizers and desert would you recommend to go with this ? Thanks so much for all your incredible recipes ! Happy Thanksgiving !
Hi Shannon,
Here’s some options for you:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/prosciutto-wrapped-baked-brie/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cranberry-brie-pull-apart-bread/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cinnamon-swirl-snickerdoodle-blondies/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-millionaire-bars/
I hope this helps! xT
Super helpful !!! Thank you so very much !!!!
I simmered the sauce for 4 hours and it still looks like soup. I doubled the recipe but followed it exactly and it will not reduce. Way too much liquid. Where do I go from here? Strain the liquid out?
Hi Meg,
So sorry to hear this! Unfortunately, doubling a sauce such as this one can be tricky! I would try layering up the lasagnas but use a slotted spoon so it’s not too watery. I hope this helps! xx
Hey Meg! I had the same issue – I added some flour a table spoon at a time and found it was helpful in thickening it up!
So excited to make this! 🙂
If you freeze it, is it better to freeze it fully baked or just assembled (not baked yet) and then freeze?
Hi there! Honestly, I think either should work! xT
Looks delicious! Any substitutions for the pesto??
Loved this recipe so much! Could I do it gluten free? I figured I could use a boxed gluten free lasagna noodle or do zuchini noodles?? Any suggestions?
Yes you definitely can use gf noodles! xT
Started this lazy Saturday with a Google search for, recipes that take all day. Your lasagna came up. Decided to take it to the next level, but chopping my own tomatoes, blending my own fresh pesto complete with roasted sunflower seeds and garlic, and making homemade lasagna noodles. 5 hours and a few bottles of wine later I was done. I entered the kitchen this morning, not to cook, but to make art. Let me say this….. it was worth every second!
Wow, that is impressive! Sounds like it was a labor of love, but I’m so glad that it turned out well! xT
I just made this tonight for my family – 10 people. It’s the biggest group I’ve cooked for thus far and was a big hit! Sooo delicious! Thank you Tieghan!!
Hi Katelyn,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was such a hit! Thanks so much for giving it a try!😎☀️ xT
Is fresh pasta the equivalent as the No boil pasta cooking-wise? Can I just put it straight in the oven with the fresh lasagna noodles uncooked? Thanks
Hi Lauren,
I haven’t tested that with this recipe, but I think that should work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it turns out well for you! xT
Made this tonight as a trial run for my book group next week. My husband said “I want to keep eating!” after two big pieces. Delicious! Is there a way to make the sauce a little saucier? I used petite chopped tomatoes and followed the recipe as written. Thanks!
Hey Alison,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for giving this dish a try and your comment, I love to hear it was a hit! Did you add the cup of water? You could always add another 1/2 cup! xT 😊
Can’t wait to make this! Have you ever frozen it? If so, do you bake frozen or thaw first?
Hey Louise,
Yes, you can totally freeze this before baking and then you can go ahead and bake from frozen or bake after thawing, either one will work! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Hi! Hosting tonight. Can i assemble this earlier in the day and put in the fridge for a while before baking? Or does it need to be baked right after assembling?
Hey Kristin,
Yes, that would be just fine for you to do! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Fantastic recipe and easy to make! I followed the recipe exactly as it’s listed (simmered the sauce for 3 hours) and wouldn’t change a thing. Can’t wait to make again!
Hey Meagan,
Happy Friday!! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear this was enjoyed! xT
Hi Tieghan,
First off, thank you because you are sponsoring my entire Christmas Eve and Christmas with your amazing food. Also, can you advise how I can make this ahead of time and store in the fridge to make prep for Christmas Eve a bit easier? Thank you!
Hey Nichole,
Thanks for making so many recipes!! Yup, just make up until baking and keep covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
Made this for Christmas Eve and cooked the sauce for about 5 hours while we ventured outside and everyone went back for seconds! Second time making this and will be my go to lasagna recipe!
Hey Emily,
Happy Monday!❄️ I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xx
Tieghan, I accidentally bought crushed tomatoes as opposed to chopped which I know is much more liquidy. I made the sauce tonight and it looks pretty good actually…but wondering how I should adjust cooking time to account for the extra liquid. Thanks as always for great recipes!
Hey Jackie,
You should be fine to follow the recipe as is:) Let me know how it turns out, I hope you love the recipe! xT
Hi –
Want to make sure I bought the correct mozzarella cheese for the recipe because I see people substituted provolone for mozzarella altogether. I bought fresh white mozzarella (similar to Buffalo) not the shredded mozzarella for the top, that’s correct?
Hi Tamara,
Yes, that is correct:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Thank you. Quick question, I’m making this recipe a your white pesto mushroom lasagna. One calls for 375 degrees and the other 350. Can I bake both lasagnas at 350?
Totally!!