The BEST Lasagna Recipe Ever!

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Description

This classic homemade lasagna is rich, cheesy, and comforting—a true family favorite! With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s the ultimate baked pasta dish. Perfect for Sunday dinners, gatherings, or when you want a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients For The BEST Lasagna Recipe Ever!

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef

  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (casings removed)

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce

  • ½ cup water

  • 2 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

  • 2 tsp dried basil

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp fennel seeds (optional)

  • 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • ½ tsp salt

Other Layers:

  • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 lb (450g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Meat Sauce

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.

    • Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up meat. Drain excess fat.

    • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.

    • Add sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes (longer for deeper flavor). Stir occasionally.

  2. Prepare Cheese Mixture

    • In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix until creamy.

  3. Cook Noodles (if not using no-boil)

    • Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

  4. Assemble the Lasagna

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Layer 4 noodles, ⅓ of ricotta mixture, ⅓ mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan.

    • Repeat with sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

    • Finish with noodles, sauce, and top generously with mozzarella & Parmesan.

  5. Bake

    • Cover with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).

    • Bake for 25 minutes, remove foil, and bake another 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

    • Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing (this helps it set).

Notes

  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before cutting keeps the layers neat.

  • For richer flavor, simmer the sauce for 2 hours or more.

  • You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Tips

  • Use fresh mozzarella for extra gooey layers.

  • Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

  • If you like a creamier version, mix some béchamel sauce with ricotta.

  • Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals.

Servings

  • Makes 12 servings (perfect for a family dinner + leftovers).

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 490

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbs: 32g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sodium: 980mg

Benefits

  • Protein-rich from beef, sausage, and cheese.

  • Comfort food that brings family and friends together.

  • Can be made ahead of time and baked when needed.

  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Q & A

Q: Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
A: Yes! Swap meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and lentils.

Q: Can I freeze lasagna before baking?
A: Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen (add 20–30 minutes to baking time).

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, cottage cheese works as a lighter substitute.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Q: What should I serve with lasagna?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides.

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