World’s Best Lasagna

Rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese make this dish one of the most beloved lasagna recipes of all time. It’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely worth the effort.

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: World’s Best Lasagna

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 2 30

Rest Time: 15

Total Time: 3 15

Servings:

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
Add sugar, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
Simmer covered for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise, slightly overlapping.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
Top with one-third of the mozzarella slices, then 1½ cups meat sauce, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).

Step 5: Bake

Bake covered for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What to Serve With Lasagna

Pair this rich dish with:

Garlic bread or two-ingredient garlic knots
A crisp arugula or fennel salad
Roasted or grilled zucchini

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

To Make Ahead:
Assemble lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if chilled.
To Freeze:
Let baked lasagna cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
Thaw overnight in the fridge. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

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