World’s Best Lasagna

If you’re looking for a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, then you’ve stumbled upon the World’s Best Lasagna! This recipe is a cherished favorite in our home, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s not just about layers of pasta and cheese; it’s about the warmth and love that fills the kitchen as it bakes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this lasagna will surely become a staple in your home too.

What makes this lasagna special is its rich flavors and comforting textures, all brought together in one delicious dish. Imagine digging into layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—trust me, it’s simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this crowd-pleaser.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves lasagna! It’s a surefire way to please picky eaters at your dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of herbs and spices creates a rich sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the World’s Best Lasagna requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to gather:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 0.75 pound lean ground beef
• 0.5 cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 0.75 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Variations

This lasagna recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Layer in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Change the cheeses: Try adding goat cheese or feta for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables like bell peppers and eggplant.

How to Make World’s Best Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by gathering all your ingredients—this will make cooking smooth and enjoyable! In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until they are well browned. This step is crucial as browning the meat adds depth of flavor to your sauce.

Step 2: Simmer It Down

Once browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add sugar along with 2 tablespoons of parsley, basil, salt (reserve some), Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Let it simmer covered for about 1 ½ hours while stirring occasionally—this allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Cook Your Noodles

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook your lasagna noodles for about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain them and rinse briefly with cold water; this helps prevent them from sticking together later on.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with an egg, remaining parsley (that last bit adds freshness!), and half a teaspoon of salt. This mixture will give your lasagna that creamy texture we all crave.

Step 5: Preheat & Assemble

While you’re mixing up that cheesy goodness, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Now comes the fun part! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce at the bottom. Layer six noodles lengthwise on top—overlapping slightly if needed—then add half of your ricotta mixture followed by one-third of mozzarella slices.

Step 6: Repeat & Finish

Spoon another 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients! Be sure to top off with any remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect golden crust.

Step 7: Bake It!

Cover your masterpiece with foil—be careful not to let it touch the cheese—and bake for about 25 minutes in your preheated oven. Remove the foil after this time and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Let your beautiful lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving—it makes slicing easier and lets all those flavors settle just right!

Now you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy every hearty bite of what I truly believe is the World’s Best Lasagna!

Pro Tips for Making World’s Best Lasagna

Creating the perfect lasagna is all about layering flavors and textures, so here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses can make a big difference in flavor. They add brightness and depth, elevating your lasagna from good to absolutely fantastic.
• Let it rest: Allowing your lasagna to sit for at least 15 minutes after baking helps all the layers set. This ensures cleaner slices and more enjoyable servings when you dive in.
• Experiment with pasta: While traditional noodles are great, consider using no-boil lasagna sheets for an even easier assembly process. They absorb liquid as they cook and can save you time without sacrificing texture.
• Layer thoughtfully: Start with a nice layer of meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking, then alternate between sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella. This not only looks appealing but also ensures balanced flavors in every bite.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: Cheese is what makes lasagna creamy and indulgent! Make sure to include generous portions of mozzarella and Parmesan for that melty goodness everyone loves.

How to Serve World’s Best Lasagna

Presentation is key when serving this delicious dish. Here are some ideas to make your lasagna shine at the dinner table!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan shavings: Finishing with a few shavings of aged Parmesan enhances both appearance and flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can be an exciting addition.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Soft, warm garlic bread pairs perfectly with lasagna, allowing you to scoop up any leftover sauce. It’s an irresistible classic!
• Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich layers of the lasagna.
• Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a nutritious balance while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Antipasto platter: Offering an antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers can complement your meal beautifully and set a lovely Italian-inspired atmosphere.

Enjoy serving your World’s Best Lasagna in style! Each layer holds a little piece of love that will surely warm the hearts of everyone gathered around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This lasagna is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• For best taste, consume within the first few days.

Freezing

• Cool the lasagna completely after baking.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and type of dish.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove any plastic wrap and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about our World’s Best Lasagna.

Can I use different types of cheese in the World’s Best Lasagna?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends. Just ensure they melt well, like provolone or gouda, to keep that creamy texture.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

To avoid watery lasagna, be sure to drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes. Using fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded can also help maintain a firmer structure during baking.

Can I make the World’s Best Lasagna vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add more cheese to enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this World’s Best Lasagna as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish full of rich flavors that brings family and friends together around the table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely delight everyone. Happy cooking!