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World’s Best Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 65 reviews

This classic lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella with Parmesan on top. Simmered meat sauce infused with Italian herbs and a blend of cheeses makes this homemade lasagna perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

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Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
  • ¾ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (6.5 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
  • 1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt (divided, or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese Filling

  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Lasagna Layers

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large Dutch oven, cook the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, minced onion, and crushed garlic over medium heat until the meat is well browned and the onion is softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add white sugar, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, dried basil leaves, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, and ground black pepper. Cover and let simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally to develop deep flavors.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with one egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir well to create a smooth cheese filling ready for layering.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1½ cups of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with one-third of the sliced mozzarella cheese, followed by 1½ cups of meat sauce and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella slices, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, spraying the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Bake: Place the covered lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set for easier serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. If baking from chilled, add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing: Cool baked lasagna completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or garlic knots, a crisp arugula or fennel salad, and roasted or grilled zucchini for a complete meal.

Keywords: lasagna, Italian lasagna, homemade lasagna, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, baked pasta, classic lasagna recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/worlds-best-lasagna-recipe/