World’s Best Lasagna: A Timeless Classic

Lasagna has long been a comfort food that brings families together

How to Make Lasagna

Making lasagna can be a labor of love, but the reward is a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to please. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of ingredients and steps to guide you in crafting the perfect lasagna. Let’s dive into the essentials:

Lasagna Ingredients

This beloved lasagna recipe is versatile and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it as traditionally intended:

• Meat: Sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef create a hearty, savory foundation.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples infuse the meat with deep, satisfying flavor.
• Tomato Products: Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste provide a rich, thick base for the sauce.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sauce’s overall flavor.
• Spices and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, dried basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper deliver a medley of complementary tastes.
• Lasagna Noodles: Choose between store-bought or homemade noodles based on your preference.
• Cheeses: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan ensures every bite is creamy and indulgent.
• Egg: Mixed with ricotta cheese, it helps the filling hold its structure during baking.

Ingredients

1x Original Recipe – Yields 12 Servings

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• ¾ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6.5-ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2x

• 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup minced onion
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 4 (6.5-ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 4 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons white sugar
• 8 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 3 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 24 lasagna noodles
• 2 pounds ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ pounds mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

4x

• 3 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 pounds sweet Italian sausage
• 3 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 cups minced onion
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 8 (6.5-ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 8 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 8 tablespoons white sugar
• 16 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 6 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 6 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 48 lasagna noodles
• 4 pounds ricotta cheese
• 4 eggs
• 3 pounds mozzarella cheese, sliced

How to Make Lasagna Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, minced onion, and crushed garlic until browned. Add tomato products, sugar, and seasonings, then simmer for at least an hour to meld the flavors.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with an egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy, flavorful layer.
4. Layer the Lasagna: Spread meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by a layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
6. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and ensures cleaner servings.

How to Layer Lasagna

The layering process is simple yet crucial for a perfect lasagna:

1. Begin with a layer of meat sauce.
2. Add lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them.
3. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
4. Place mozzarella slices on top, followed by more meat sauce.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan.

How Long to Cook Lasagna

Bake the assembled lasagna for about 50 minutes. Keep it covered with foil for the first 25 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover it to allow the cheese to melt and brown. Once done, let it rest for 15 minutes to make slicing easier.

What to Serve With Lasagna Lasagna pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some classic options:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any extra sauce on your plate.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Balsamic-glazed carrots or grilled zucchini make excellent accompaniments.

How to Reheat Lasagna Reheating lasagna is easy and ensures it tastes as good as the first day. For the best results:

• Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
• Avoid microwaving unless in a hurry, as it can alter the texture of the noodles.

How to Freeze Lasagna If you plan to freeze lasagna:

1. Assemble it in a disposable foil baking dish for convenience.
2. Allow it to cool completely after baking.
3. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months.

How to Reheat Frozen Lasagna

• Thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
• If reheating directly from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10–15 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna has been adored by home cooks for its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Customize the recipe by adding more vegetables, using whole-grain noodles, or experimenting with your favorite cheeses.

Prepare to fall in love with this timeless dish that brings the warmth and comfort of homemade Italian cuisine to your table. Try it today and see why it’s called the “World’s Best Lasagna”!