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Best Lasagna

Best Lasagna Ever: Comforting Layers of Love and Flavor

This Best Lasagna recipe features rich meat sauce, gooey cheese, and layers of noodles that make it perfect for family gatherings and weeknight meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 12 oz Lasagna Noodles Use regular or oven-ready varieties
  • 1 lb Bulk Italian Sausage Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Choose lean cut
  • 1 large Onion Diced yellow or white onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic preferred
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Choose whole or crushed
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Essential for authentic taste
  • 1 cup Water Add more if sauce is too thick
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Optional for balancing acidity
  • 1 tbsp Parsley (fresh) Can swap with basil
  • 1 tbsp Dried Basil Fresh basil can be used in larger amounts
  • 1 tsp Fennel Seed Optional for milder flavor
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust according to taste
For the Cheese Layer
  • 1 large Egg Can omit for dairy-free version
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese may be substituted
  • 3 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture mozzarella works best
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is preferred

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Dutch oven
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Lasagna
  1. Beginning by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and lay the noodles flat on a kitchen towel.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart with a spatula. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Toss in the diced onion and continue cooking until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
  3. Mix in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick. Sprinkle in sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, fennel seed, salt, and pepper, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Allow sauce to cook for approximately 30 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of the remaining parsley and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a greased baking dish, start layering with meat sauce. Place three lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat this process and finish with a layer of noodles, meat sauce, and a generous topping of cheese.
  6. Cover lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is perfect for make-ahead preparation and can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

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