Worlds Best Lasagna

A comforting Italian classic featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling cheese—perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This recipe for the Worlds Best Lasagna brings together savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a blend of four cheeses to create a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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This recipe is designed to be straightforward yet incredibly flavorful, making it a staple for home cooks. By simmering the sauce with fresh garlic and basil, the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Pasta & Cheese:
• 12 sheets lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Meat Sauce:
• 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Provides cushioned comfort while cooking, prepping meals, washing dishes, and standing longer in the kitchen.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned (8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat.

Step 4

Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.

Step 6

To assemble, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 7

Add 4 sheets of uncooked lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping.

Step 8

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, top with a third of the mozzarella, then more meat sauce.

Step 9

Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce.

Step 10

Finish with the last layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 12

Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 13

Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When browning the meat, ensure you drain the excess fat thoroughly to prevent the lasagna from becoming too oily. Covering the dish tightly with foil during the first part of baking is essential to ensure the uncooked noodles soften properly in the moisture of the sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For added depth, you can layer in sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the ricotta mixture. To adjust the richness, use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat, or opt for whole milk varieties for a more decadent result.

Serviervorschläge

This lasagna pairs beautifully with a robust Italian red wine such as Chianti. Always allow the dish to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers stay intact and the juices redistribute.

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With its rich layers and classic flavors, this lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served immediately or frozen for a future meal, it remains the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Why let lasagna rest before serving?

Resting allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. This 15-minute resting period lets the cheese firm up slightly and helps the flavors meld together, ensuring you get clean, neat portions rather than a messy slide.

→ Can I use no-boil noodles instead?

Yes, no-boil noodles work well in this preparation. The sauce provides enough moisture for the noodles to cook properly during baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so check for doneness around the 35-minute mark.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I add for more vegetables?

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work beautifully layered with the ricotta mixture. You can also add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.