Description
This World’s Best Lasagna recipe offers a hearty and comforting Italian American classic, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella topped with Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this lasagna combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of Italian herbs simmered to perfection, layered with tender lasagna noodles and baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the meat mixture: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and finely chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Add garlic and simmer sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Cook noodles: While the sauce simmers, prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley until smooth and well mixed. This will add creaminess and flavor to the layers.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the lasagna layers.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add a layer of meat sauce. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Add cheeses and cover: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture during the initial baking period.
- Bake covered: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake covered for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned, creating a delicious golden crust.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps it set for easier slicing and better flavor development before serving.
Notes
- Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner, easier cuts.
- You can assemble the lasagna up to one day ahead and refrigerate it before baking to save time on cooking day.
- Store leftover lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it is tightly covered to maintain freshness.
