If you’ve been searching for a lasagna recipe that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and thirds!), you’re in the right place. This lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and full of rich flavors. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with the smell of slow-simmered sauce and bubbling cheese, setting the perfect mood for a comforting family dinner.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You don’t just eat lasagna; you experience it—layer by layer, bite by bite. The World’s Best Lasagna is the result of years of perfecting balance: the meaty sauce, the creamy ricotta, and the melty mozzarella all work together in harmony. Did you know lasagna dates back to ancient Italy, originally made with flat, wide pasta sheets? Over time, it has become the ultimate comfort food for families worldwide. Whether you’re whipping this up for a holiday meal or just a weeknight treat, this recipe has all the charm and flavor to turn a simple gathering into a memorable feast.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheeses
- Comfort food at its finest
- Perfect to feed a crowd
- Can be prepped ahead for busy nights
- Customizable for dietary needs
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground beef: For a heartier flavor, you can use a mix of beef and pork.
- Ricotta cheese: Substituting cottage cheese works if you want a lighter texture.
- Lasagna noodles: No-boil noodles save time if you’re in a pinch.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella slices for an extra level of gooeyness.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Sauté onions and garlic until they’re fragrant, then brown the ground beef in the same pan.
- Add your favorite tomato sauce and let it simmer while you prep the rest.
- Boil your lasagna noodles (if not using no-boil ones) until just tender—don’t overcook them!
- Mix Ricotta cheese with an egg and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella in a deep baking dish, taking care to end with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly on top.
Expert Tips for Success
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to help it firm up.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for even more flavor.
Don’t skimp on cheese in each layer—it’s what makes the dish ooey-gooey and delicious!
Variations and Customizations
For a vegetarian option, swap the meat sauce for a rich tomato and vegetable sauce. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty texture. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. And if you’re gluten-free, there are great lasagna noodle alternatives at most grocery stores.
Nutritional Information
This lasagna packs roughly 350–400 calories per serving, making it a satisfying meal. Each slice is rich in protein from the beef and cheese and offers about 15–20g of protein. You’ll also get carbs from the pasta, perfect for energy, and healthy fats from the cheeses. With some added leafy greens in your side salad, it checks all the major macronutrient boxes for a well-rounded meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Lasagna is perfect for leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to prevent splattering. Want to freeze it? Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe Card of World's Best Lasagna
Ingredients list
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 0.75 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounce
- 2 cans canned tomato sauce 6.5 ounce each
- 2 cans tomato paste 6 ounce each
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 0.75 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round up all your essential ingredients to get started on this mouthwatering lasagna delight.
- Sauté the sausage, beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until beautifully browned.
- Blend in the tomatoes, sauces, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tbsp of parsley, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel, and pepper. Let it all simmer covered for about 1 ½ hours, stirring every so often.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and cool in cold water.
- In a separate bowl, blend ricotta with the egg, leftover parsley, and ½ tsp salt.
- Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch dish. Layer 6 noodles lengthwise over. Spoon half of ricotta mix and top with a third of mozzarella. Layer with 1 ½ cups meat sauce again and sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Repeat the layering process, ensuring the cheese remains abundant. Cover loosely with foil, sprayed to avoid sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue for another 25 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes post-baking before you indulge in its savory goodness.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this lasagna a day ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, though you might need to add 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
Can I freeze cooked lasagna?
Yes! Cooked lasagna freezes wonderfully. Once it has completely cooled, slice it into serving-sized portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
What side dishes pair well with lasagna?
A crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus complete the meal perfectly.
Wow, this *World’s Best Lasagna* sounds absolutely divine! I love the balance of sweet Italian sausage, ground beef, and those three different cheeses—talk about a comfort food masterpiece! I might add a little extra basil (my favorite herb!) when I make it for a fun twist. Thanks for sharing! 😊