Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes, and this recipe, passed down from my Italian heritage, is truly the best! With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this lasagna is both hearty and comforting. Italian sausage adds a unique, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy ricotta, making it an unforgettable dish.
This lasagna is simmered for over an hour to bring out the depth of flavor, making every bite worth the wait. If you have extra, you can always freeze it for later—perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!
How to Make World’s Best Lasagna
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 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
Instructions:
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, minced onion, and garlic until browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and sugar.
- Add salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, and reduce heat to low. Simmer the sauce for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, the remaining 2 tbsp of chopped parsley, and ½ tsp of salt.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with the first layer: 1 ½ cups of meat sauce.
- Add a layer of precooked lasagna noodles to cover the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a third of the mozzarella slices on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (spray foil with oil to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
- Layering: Start with a layer of meat sauce, then noodles, followed by ricotta and mozzarella. Repeat this order for the best texture and flavor balance.
- No Pre-Cooked Noodles?: You can use uncooked noodles, but I prefer the ease of precooked ones.
- Freeze for Later: Make extra meat sauce and freeze it for quick future meals. It works great as spaghetti sauce too!
- Reheat Carefully: To reheat without drying out, place the lasagna in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until the sauce is bubbling (about 15–30 minutes depending on how much you’re reheating).
Enjoy the perfect World’s Best Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a glass of Chianti. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or any occasion!