Description
This Homemade Brisket Rag Lasagna is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender slow-simmered beef brisket ragù layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it combines rich flavors and textures to deliver a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Brisket Ragù:
- 3-4 pounds Beef Brisket (well-marbled for best flavor)
- 2 medium Onions (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 medium Carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks Celery (finely chopped)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (one can)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (high-quality for best flavor)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Lasagna Assembly:
- 1 package Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (half mixed with ricotta, half for topping)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil (torn, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the brisket: Generously season the beef brisket with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the brisket: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the brisket for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned, locking in juices.
- Sauté the vegetables: Remove the brisket and add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aroma.
- Simmer the brisket: Return brisket to the pot, add crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until the brisket is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the brisket: Remove the brisket, shred it finely, and return it to the sauce to meld flavors together.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble lasagna: In a baking dish, layer brisket ragù, oven-ready noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese, repeating layers to fill the dish.
- Bake covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to brown the top and melt the cheese.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with torn fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, choose a well-marbled brisket to keep the meat moist and tender during long simmering.
- Use high-quality beef broth and crushed tomatoes for a rich and balanced sauce.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time and simplify assembly; no boiling needed.
- Resting the lasagna before serving helps it to set and makes slicing easier.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
