World’s Best Lasagna

World’s Best Lasagna Recipe – The ultimate lasagna that combines hearty ground beef, savory Italian sausage, and rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy classic lasagna recipe delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal, this meat lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy. Lasagna recipes are a staple in Italian cuisine, and this one is made even better with a blend of Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and homemade sauce. Perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners, this lasagna will quickly become your go-to recipe!

This World’s Best Lasagna is a savory, rich, and cheesy dish that combines perfectly seasoned meat sauce, layers of creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s baked to perfection with a crispy golden top and a satisfying, hearty filling. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or just a comforting dinner at home, this lasagna recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, minced onion, and crushed garlic until browned and crumbly.

1. Make the Sauce:

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Add salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

• In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon of salt.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you assemble the lasagna.

1. Assemble the Lasagna:

• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with the first layer: Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce on the bottom.
• Add the pre-cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering it completely.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
• Layer 1/3 of the mozzarella slices over the ricotta.
• Spoon another 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, sauce, and Parmesan, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

1. Bake the Lasagna:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil (spraying the foil with oil to prevent sticking).
• Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Tips

• Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh basil and parsley for added flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Pre-cooked noodles should be just soft enough to absorb the sauce during baking.
• Let the Lasagna Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
• Save Time: You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge for even deeper flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian lasagna.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute mozzarella with Provolone or Fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce to give the lasagna a bit of heat.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use uncooked noodles?
A: While this recipe uses pre-cooked noodles, you can use uncooked noodles if you adjust the sauce amount to ensure enough liquid during baking.

Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve your lasagna with a side of garlic bread or crispy baguette.
• Pair with a fresh green salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness.
• For extra flavor, top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful: The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This lasagna is a comforting, filling meal that is ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
• Classic & Timeless: This World’s Best Lasagna recipe offers a classic, tried-and-true approach to lasagna, guaranteed to impress your guests.

This lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy layers of flavor and cheesy goodness with every bite!