The Homemade Worlds Best Lasagna Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting the world’s best lasagna recipe takes passion and a dash of culinary magic.

Layers of rich, savory ingredients promise a mouthwatering experience that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic Italian masterpiece.

Carefully selected herbs and spices bring depth to every delectable bite.

Homemade sauce simmered to perfection creates a foundation that separates ordinary from extraordinary.

Generations of cooking wisdom fold into each carefully constructed layer.

Ingredients for World’s Best Lasagna

• Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor to the meat sauce.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty texture and depth to the sauce.
• Onion: Enhances the overall taste with a sweet and aromatic base.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and intense flavor to the dish.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the primary base of the flavorful meat sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Water: Helps to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh herbal note to the dish.
• Basil: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the recipe.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of traditional Italian herbs.
• Fennel Seeds: Contributes a subtle, distinctive flavor.
• Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.

• Lasagna Noodles: Serves as the structural base of the lasagna.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth layer between noodles.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to the dish.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the foil from sticking to the lasagna.

How to Make World’s Best Lasagna

Step 1: Cooking The Sauce

Brown the ground proteins in a large skillet.

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic

Sizzle these ingredients until they’re deeply golden and crumbly.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Water

• Sugar
• Parsley
• Basil
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Fennel seeds
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for half an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Sheets

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until perfectly al dente.

Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Step 3: Mix Creamy Cheese Filling

• Egg
• Remaining parsley
• Salt

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Lasagna Layers

Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Spread meat sauce on bottom
• Arrange pasta noodles
• Add ricotta mixture
• Sprinkle mozzarella
• Top with more meat sauce
• Dust with Parmesan cheese

Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover dish with foil sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Pro Tips for World-Class Lasagna

• Choose a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor complexity that elevates the entire lasagna.
• Ensure even distribution of sauce, cheese, and noodles to create perfectly balanced bites with consistent texture and taste.
• Let ricotta cheese drain in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a firmer, less runny lasagna.
• Allow lasagna to cool for 15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
• Use fresh parsley and basil instead of dried herbs for brighter, more vibrant flavor profiles that make the dish truly exceptional.

Variations to Try on the World’s Best Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with layers of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and spinach, using plant-based marinara sauce for a hearty vegetable version.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Substitute traditional wheat noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets made from rice or corn flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Replace pasta noodles entirely with thinly sliced zucchini strips, maintaining the classic layered texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew ricotta cheese, coconut milk mozzarella, and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products for a lactose-free option.

Serving Suggestions for World’s Best Lasagna

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to your lasagna presentation.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the meat sauce and cheese layers.
• Bread Sidekick: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works perfectly for soaking up extra sauce and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.

Storing World’s Best Lasagna

• Store lasagna in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep layers intact to preserve texture and flavor.
• Wrap cooled lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place date and contents on the outside of the container for easy tracking.
• Cut individual portions and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

FAQs

• What makes the meat sauce so flavorful?

The combination of sausage, ground beef, and a blend of herbs like basil, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds creates a rich, complex flavor profile that sets this lasagna apart.

• Can I make the meat sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, which can actually help the flavors develop and intensify.

• Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles completely before assembling?

No, you’ll boil the noodles just until they’re pliable, then drain and rinse with cold water. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, ensuring perfect texture.

What Makes World’s Best Lasagna So Special

• Savor Authentic Flavors: Dive into a classic Italian-inspired dish packed with rich, hearty ingredients that blend perfectly for an incredible taste experience.
• Master Layered Perfection: Create restaurant-quality lasagna with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee a professional-looking meal even for beginner cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight family and friends with a warm, cheesy dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table, making it ideal for gatherings and special meals.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra herbs, changing meat types, or making vegetarian variations to suit different preferences.

Famed Worlds Best Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible World’s Best Lasagna promises a delightful journey through layers of rich, savory flavors that dance on your palate. Cheese, pasta, and perfectly seasoned meat combine to create a classic Italian masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 0.75 pound lean ground beef

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1.5 teaspoons salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese and Pasta:

• 0.5 cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 0.75 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
2. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water into the meat mixture. Season with sugar, parsley, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper.
3. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent burning and develop rich flavors.
4. Simultaneously, cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and prevent sticking.
6. Prepare ricotta mixture by combining ricotta cheese, egg, remaining parsley, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with rack in the middle position.
8. Spread 1½ cups of meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Layer 6 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping to create complete coverage.
10. Distribute half of the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles.
11. Add one-third of mozzarella slices over the ricotta layer.
12. Pour 1½ cups of meat sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
13. Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
14. Cover baking dish with foil that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
15. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
16. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef and sausage to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor.
• Slightly undercook lasagna noodles since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
• Allow ricotta mixture to sit for 10 minutes before layering to help ingredients meld and enhance overall taste.
• Let lasagna rest after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier, ensuring clean slices.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg