Lasagna is one of those timeless dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta, it’s a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe for the best lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make this lasagna? First, it’s incredibly delicious! The blend of flavors from the meats, herbs, and cheeses makes each bite unforgettable. Second, it’s a great dish for feeding a crowd. You can easily adjust the quantity and make a big batch to share with family and friends. Lastly, making homemade lasagna is a fun activity that can involve everyone in the kitchen, creating memories as you cook together.
How to Make The Best Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- ¾ pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounce crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 6 ounce tomato paste (1 can)
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- ½ cup water (if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 leaves basil (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 16 ounce ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 12 lasagna noodles (oven ready)
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese (fresh, grated)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Directions:
- Make the sauce: Brown the sausage, beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meats are fully cooked. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and simmer, covered, for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, and parsley together.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread about 1½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of your lasagna dish. Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese, then another 1½ cups of meat mixture, followed by ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil. Spray the side of the foil facing the lasagna with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve The Best Lasagna
Cut the lasagna into squares and serve it warm. It’s great on its own or with a simple salad and some garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra parsley or Parmesan on top for a fresh touch.
How to Store The Best Lasagna
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen lasagna can last for up to three months.
Tips to Make The Best Lasagna
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and cheeses can elevate the flavors.
- Don’t skip resting time: Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice.
- Experiment with cheese: Try different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for varied flavors.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meats with layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Additionally, using a white sauce in place of some of the meat sauce can add a creamy contrast.
FAQs
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
2. Can lasagna be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze lasagna either before baking or after it’s cooked. Just be sure to wrap it well.
3. What can I serve with lasagna?
Lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy making this delicious lasagna that everyone will love!
The Best Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- ¾ pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounce crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 6 ounce tomato paste (1 can)
- 8 ounce tomato sauce
- ½ cup water (if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 leaves basil (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounce ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
For the Lasagna
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles (oven ready)
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese (fresh, grated)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
Make the Sauce
- Brown the sausage, beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meats are fully cooked.
- Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and simmer, covered, for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, and parsley together.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spread about 1½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of your lasagna dish.
- Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese, then another 1½ cups of meat mixture, followed by ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the lasagna with foil. Spray the side of the foil facing the lasagna with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
