World’s Best Lasagna

$- Main Ingredients for Meat Sauce - 1 lb ground beef - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cheeses and Noodles - 12 lasagna noodles - 15 oz ricotta cheese - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - Herbs and Seasoning - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The meats add depth, while the cheeses create that gooey texture we love. Fresh herbs brighten every bite. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat sets the stage for a nice bake. Cooking the Noodles Grab a big pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook them until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean towel. This keeps them from sticking. Making the Meat Sauce In a large skillet, pour a splash of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Next, add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage. Cook this for 8-10 minutes. Break the meat into small pieces as it browns. When it’s ready, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cans of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped basil, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then. Assembling the Layers In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place 4 noodles across this sauce. Over the noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Add more meat sauce. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the last of the meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Adding the Cheese Mixture In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, a pinch of salt, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until it’s creamy. This cheese mixture adds a rich flavor to the lasagna. Covering and Baking Time Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. To prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly, golden cheese! Final Steps for Serving Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes. This helps it stay together when you slice it. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve it warm and enjoy! Cooking Noodles Al Dente Cooking your lasagna noodles just right is key. You want them al dente, meaning slightly firm. This helps keep the noodles from getting mushy during baking. Follow the package instructions, but check them a minute early. Drain them and lay them flat to cool. This stops them from sticking together. Best Practices for Layering Layering is where the magic happens. Start with meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place four noodles next. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Then, add one-third of the mozzarella. Repeat this process, ending with noodles and meat sauce on top. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust. Additional Herbs and Spices Want to amp up the taste? Add more herbs! Fresh basil and oregano boost flavor. You can also try thyme or parsley for a fresh kick. A dash of red pepper flakes adds spice if you like heat. Using Quality Ingredients Always choose fresh, quality ingredients. Great meat, cheeses, and tomatoes make a huge difference. Opt for whole-milk ricotta and fresh mozzarella. These add creaminess and flavor. Use crushed tomatoes instead of pureed for a better texture. Your lasagna will taste amazing when you start with the best! Pro Tips Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure your lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to avoid a mushy texture in the final dish. They will continue to soften during baking. Layering Technique: When layering, make sure to spread the ingredients evenly to allow for even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the lasagna. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese in your lasagna, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique flavor twist. {{image_4}} You can easily make a tasty vegetarian lasagna. Simply substitute the meat with vegetables. Good choices include zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Chop these veggies finely and sauté them in olive oil. This adds flavor and keeps the dish light. Layer the veggies just like you would with meat. Use the same sauces and cheeses for a rich taste. Want a gluten-free meal? Use gluten-free noodles instead of regular ones. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste just as good. Make sure to cook them according to package instructions. This ensures they hold up well in the layers. You can enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten! Cheese lovers can have fun experimenting! While mozzarella and ricotta are classic, try different cheeses. Consider using provolone, gouda, or goat cheese for a twist. Each cheese adds a unique taste and texture. Just mix and match to find your favorite blend. You can create a lasagna that is uniquely yours! To keep your lasagna fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place it in an airtight container. If you have a large portion, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent drying out. Lasagna can last in the fridge for about three to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the portion in the oven or microwave. Freezing lasagna is a great way to save some for later. First, let it cool completely before freezing. You can freeze the whole dish or individual portions. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil. This protects it from freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) until hot throughout. If you freeze it unbaked, bake it straight from the freezer. Just add extra time to ensure it cooks all the way. Enjoy your lasagna delights any time! How to Ensure My Lasagna Doesn’t Get Soggy? To keep your lasagna firm, I recommend using less sauce. Make sure your meat sauce simmers long enough to thicken. When cooking noodles, avoid overcooking. Al dente noodles hold their shape better. Lastly, let the lasagna rest after baking. This helps it set before slicing. Can I Prepare Lasagna in Advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, preheat your oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you save time and effort when it’s dinner time. What Can I Serve with Lasagna? Lasagna pairs well with many sides. I love serving it with warm garlic bread. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works great too. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful touch. These options enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. You now know how to create the perfect lasagna. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. You learned about vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. I hope this guide inspires you to try new recipes and enjoy making lasagna. Trust in your skills, and remember, practice makes perfect!$

A rich and hearty lasagna layered with meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 noodles lasagna
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
16 oz tomato sauce
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even bake.
In a generous pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to cool and prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Incorporate the ground beef and Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it browns, for approximately 8-10 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance the flavors.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, first spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 4 noodles across the sauce. Over the noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture, followed by one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Layer on more meat sauce, then repeat the process: noodles, remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce, until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper on the cheese side). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to help it set. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before slicing for best results.

Keyword comfort food, Italian, lasagna, pasta