Name: World's Best Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound sweet Italian sausage; 3/4 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, minced; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste; 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 teaspoon fennel seed; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 12 lasagna noodles; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded; 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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This hearty and flavorful lasagna layers savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella between sheets of tender pasta. It's a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug from the inside out—perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers all the richness and comfort I expect from a traditional lasagna, with a balanced blend of herbs, cheeses, and slow-simmered meat sauce. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and never fails to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet Italian sausage
Lean ground beef
Onion, minced
Garlic, crushed
Canned crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
Water
Sugar
Fresh basil and fennel seed
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley
Lasagna noodles
Ricotta cheese
Egg
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

I start by browning the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Once cooked, I drain the fat.
Then I stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. I season it with sugar, basil, fennel, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
I let the sauce simmer for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, I boil the lasagna noodles and lay them out flat on a towel.
For the cheese mixture, I combine ricotta cheese with an egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
To assemble, I spread some meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, layer noodles over it, then add the ricotta mix, mozzarella, and Parmesan. I repeat these layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
I cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
I let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to cook, and about 1½ hours for sauce simmering and resting time. So, I usually plan for around 3 hours from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ricotta for cottage cheese for a slightly lighter texture. For a vegetarian version, I skip the meats and add layers of grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. When I want an extra cheesy version, I add provolone or fontina in between layers.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze it in individual portions. When I’m ready to reheat, I cover the portion with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker results.

FAQs

How do I keep lasagna from being watery?

I make sure to drain excess fat from the meat and let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken. I also allow the lasagna to rest after baking so it sets properly.

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.

What’s the best cheese combination for lasagna?

I find the classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan works best, but adding provolone or fontina gives it a richer, more complex flavor.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but I make sure the sauce is a bit more liquid so the noodles cook properly during baking.

How long should lasagna rest before serving?

I always let it rest at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

Conclusion

This lasagna recipe is everything I want in a comforting, satisfying dish. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a timeless classic that never disappoints. Whether I’m serving a crowd or just indulging myself, it always hits the spot.

World's Best Lasagna Recipe

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

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Description

This hearty and flavorful lasagna layers savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella between sheets of tender pasta. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Drain the fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Simmer the sauce for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
To assemble, spread meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes.
Let lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.