Description
Rich, layered world’s best lasagna recipe brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with classic flavors. Meaty sauce and melted cheese promise a hearty meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tomato and Liquid Base:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Craft a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Eliminate excess fat through draining.
- Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Incorporate sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 1½ hours, stirring periodically to develop rich flavors. Fold in fresh parsley during the final cooking moments.
- Prepare the cheese mixture by blending ricotta, egg, parsley, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spreading 1½ cups of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, then carefully spread one-third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a harmonious blend of noodles, cheese, and sauce.
- For the final layer, cover with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a golden, appetizing top.
- Cover the dish with foil (optional: lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Always drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy lasagna and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat sauce flavor.
- Simmering the sauce slowly develops deeper, richer tomato flavors, so resist the urge to rush this step and let it cook gently.
- Layer noodles evenly and slightly overlapping to create a cohesive, structured lasagna that holds together beautifully when sliced.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 341 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg