1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

2. What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure your sauce has simmered long enough to thicken, and let the baked lasagna rest before slicing.

3. Can I freeze cooked lasagna?

Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results.

4. What meats work best in lasagna?

A mix of ground beef and Italian sausage creates the richest flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.

World's Best Lasagna

Name: World's Best Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage; 3/4 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste; 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

This World’s Best Lasagna is an all-time favorite, layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the ultimate Italian comfort food. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or meal prep, this recipe is hearty, cheesy, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Italian sausage
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

In a large pot, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles for 8–10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
To assemble: Spread 1 1/2 cups meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange noodles lengthwise over sauce. Spread with ricotta mixture, top with mozzarella, then add meat sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let stand 15 minutes before serving for clean slices.

Notes

For best results, let the sauce simmer until thickened. Allow lasagna to rest before slicing to prevent watery layers. You can freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Lunch
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 435
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg