World's Best Lasagna

There's something truly magical about a big, bubbling dish of lasagna fresh out of the oven. This World's Best Lasagna recipe holds a special place in my heart because it's more than just a meal—it's a gathering point for friends and family. As the aroma wafts through the house, memories of laughter, love, and shared stories come flooding back. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this lasagna is a labor of love that will leave you and your loved ones feeling satisfied and cherished. Join me on this culinary adventure and discover why this dish has captured the hearts of so many!

What is World's Best Lasagna?

World's Best Lasagna is a delicious, hearty dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. What makes this lasagna special is its rich combination of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef, which creates a flavorful meat sauce that many people rave about. The layers of noodles, a creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella come together beautifully, making it a filling meal that’s hard to resist. It takes a bit of time to prepare, but the satisfaction of serving a homemade lasagna that’s been loved for over two decades is truly worth the effort. The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients to fit your family's tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage • ¾ pound lean ground beef • ½ cup minced onion • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 (28 ounce)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven • Large pot • Mixing bowl • 9x13-inch baking dish • Foil • Oven • Knife • Cutting board

Recipe Card

World's Best Lasagna

Course Dinners

Cuisine Italian

Difficulty Moderate

Servings 6 Servings

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 145 minutes

Total Time 175 minutes

Calories 1065 Kcal

Savor the world's best lasagna with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners!

Ingredients

• • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• • ¾ pound lean ground beef
• • ½ cup minced onion
• • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• • 1 (28 ounce)

Instructions

• Step 1: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, ¾ pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup of minced onion, and 2 crushed cloves of garlic until well browned.
• Step 2: Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 2 (6.5 ounce) cans of tomato sauce, 2 (6 ounce) cans of tomato paste, and ½ cup of water.
• Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar, 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 ½ teaspoons of dried basil leaves, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Simmer covered for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
• Step 4: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook 12 lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Step 7: Spread 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
• Step 8: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with 1/3 of the ¾ pound of sliced mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Step 9: Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce, and Parmesan. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Step 10: Cover the dish with foil (spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.

How to make World's Best Lasagna

Step 1: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, ¾ pound of lean ground beef, ½ cup of minced onion, and 2 crushed cloves of garlic until well browned. Step 2: Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 2 (6.5 ounce) cans of tomato sauce, 2 (6 ounce) cans of tomato paste, and ½ cup of water. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of white sugar, 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 ½ teaspoons of dried basil leaves, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Simmer covered for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. Step 4: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook 12 lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Step 7: Spread 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Step 8: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with 1/3 of the ¾ pound of sliced mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Step 9: Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce, and Parmesan. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Step 10: Cover the dish with foil (spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Some Tips

- Make sure to let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking; this helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing. - Use a mix of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef for a rich flavor that everyone will love. - If you're short on time, consider using oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step!

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of the World's Best Lasagna, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you're looking to save it for longer, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!

What To Eat With?

Pair your delicious lasagna with some warm garlic knots and a fresh arugula-fennel salad for a delightful meal! You could also grill up some balsamic zucchini for a tasty veggie side.

Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles for this recipe, and do I need to adjust the cooking time?

Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles! Just check the package for specific cooking times, as they may vary. Enjoy your lasagna!

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in this lasagna recipe, and will it affect the texture or flavor?

Yes, you can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta! It will be a bit more textured and less creamy, but still delicious!

Can I prepare the meat sauce in advance and freeze it, and how should I reheat it before assembling the lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce! Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before assembling the lasagna. Enjoy!

Can I use a slow cooker to make this lasagna, and if so, how would I adjust the layers and cooking time?

Yes, use your slow cooker! Layer as usual, but cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Enjoy!

Can I use a different type of cheese, like goat cheese or vegan cheese, in place of the ricotta or mozzarella, and how will it change the overall flavor of the lasagna?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese or vegan cheese! Goat cheese will add tanginess, while vegan cheese may be milder. Both will create a unique flavor twist in your lasagna!

Conclusion

And there you have it - the World's Best Lasagna! Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Share the love and pass this recipe to your friends!