For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 medium carrots, finely diced

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• ½ lb ground Italian sausage

• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

• 2 tsp salt (divided)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine (or beef broth)

• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

For the Cheese Layer:

• 16 oz whole milk ricotta

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

For Assembly:

• 1 lb lasagna noodles (or no-boil)

• 1 lb shredded mozzarella (4 cups)

• 1 cup grated Parmesan, divided

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish