This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food! With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta all baked together, it hits the spot every time. Yum!
Trust me, everyone will want seconds (or thirds!). I love to serve it with a nice salad on the side for balance. Plus, it’s even better the next day—if there are leftovers! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great, but for a gluten-free version, try using zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta. I love the texture of traditional noodles, but experimenting is fun too!
Meat: The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives fantastic flavor. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap meat with mushrooms or lentils.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is essential for that cheese pull! If you want to mix it up, try adding a bit of provolone or fontina. For a lower-fat option, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Tomato Products: Canned crushed tomatoes are a must, but if fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use them! Just be sure to remove the seeds for a smoother sauce. A bit of tomato passata can also be a great substitute.
How Do You Get Perfect Layers in Your Lasagna?
Achieving beautiful layers is all about organization. Start by preparing all your ingredients ahead of time. Here’s how to layer effectively:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Place 4 noodles on the sauce, slightly overlapping each other for full coverage.
- Evenly spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, then add a layer of meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella.
- Repeat this process two more times, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in, removing it towards the end to achieve a golden top.
Letting it rest after baking is key! It allows the layers to set and makes slicing much easier. Happy layering!
World’s Best Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 (6.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful lasagna will take about 1 hour to prepare, plus an additional 50 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 50 minutes to create this comforting dish. Make sure to carve out some time for assembling and letting it rest before serving so you get those perfect layers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for even cooking and getting that delicious golden crust on top!
2. Cook the Noodles:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the lasagna noodles. Cook them until they’re al dente (tender but still firm to bite), which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together until fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a wonderful aroma to your kitchen!
4. Add the Tomato Mixture:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Then, add sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the chopped parsley. Ensure it’s blended well to create a creamy filling.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
To assemble, start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over this sauce. Next, evenly spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process two more times—noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella—making sure your final layer is covered with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent sticking (you can spray the foil with cooking spray if you like). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set properly, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and enjoy your delicious lasagna!
With this recipe, you’ll have a rich, cheesy, and perfectly layered lasagna that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles can save you some time and effort. Just layer them directly in the dish without pre-cooking; they will soften while baking in the sauce. You may want to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook properly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or even use lentils for added protein. You can also add spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrition!
Can I Freeze Leftover Lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes wonderfully! Once assembled (but before baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Lasagna?
Lasagna pairs perfectly with a fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette or garlic bread for some crunch. Roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad also complement the rich flavors of the lasagna beautifully.
