Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food, and this World’s Best Lasagna recipe will elevate your dinner game to new heights. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked noodles, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: A hearty meat sauce with Italian sausage and spices.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that feeds a family or a group of friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients Overview
- Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 ½ teaspoon of salt (split up or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Noodles and Cheese:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Meat Sauce
- Brown the Meat: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until nicely browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tablespoons of parsley, basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Let it simmer, covered, for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Cooking the Noodles
- Boil Water: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook Noodles: Follow the directions on the package to cook the lasagna noodles. Do not boil the noodles. Instead, drain them and run cold water over them.
Mixing the Cheese Filling
- Combine Ingredients: Add the egg, the last 2 tablespoons of parsley, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a bowl and mix the ricotta cheese.
Assembling the Lasagna
- Preheat Oven: Warm the oven up to 190°C (375°F).
- Layering:
- Spread 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
- Cover the noodles with half of the ricotta cheese mix.
- Top with one-third of the mozzarella slices.
- Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, and then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking the Lasagna
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Put it in an oven that is already hot for 25 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
- Simmer the Sauce: Allowing the meat sauce to simmer enhances its flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Slightly undercook lasagna noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients evenly for a balanced bite every time.
- Let it Rest: Resting allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Rich: Loaded with protein from beef, sausage, and cheese.
- Calcium: Cheese provides a good source of calcium for strong bones.
- Vegetables: Adding more vegetables to the sauce can boost nutritional value.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Vegetarian: Use a mix of roasted vegetables and spinach instead of meat.
- Spicy: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of different cheeses for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: For a well-balanced meal, serve with a fresh green salad.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Seal well and freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
You can put the lasagna together ahead of time and then bake it when you’re ready.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
You can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as substitutes.
Can I Freeze Leftover Lasagna?
Absolutely! Freeze single servings to make reheating later easier.
How Do I Prevent Watery Lasagna?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from the cooked meat and use a thicker sauce.
Can I Use No-Boil Noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles can be used and will save time. Just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist.
Conclusion
This World’s Best Lasagna recipe is a true labor of love, bringing together rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked noodles for an unforgettable meal. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every delicious layer of this classic dish!
Enjoy your cooking and savor every bite of this delicious lasagna!