World's Best (Now Vegetarian!) Lasagna

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced onion and crushed garlic; cook and stir until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, plant-based sausage, meat substitute crumbles, tomato paste, water, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and flavors have melded, about 1 1/2 hours.

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, lightly beaten egg, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well until fully combined.

Spread 1/3 of the tomato sauce mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon another 1/3 of the tomato sauce mixture over the mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. For the final layer, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Coat a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the baking dish, coated-side down to prevent sticking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the lasagna is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 25 minutes more.

Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before slicing into 12 equal servings. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier serving.