Name: World's Best Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Ingredients: 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage; ¾ pound of lean ground beef; ½ cup of minced onion; 2 cloves of garlic, crushed; 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes; 2 (6.5 ounce) cans of tomato sauce; 2 (6 ounce) cans of tomato paste; ½ cup of water; 2 tablespoons of white sugar; 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (divided); 1 ½ teaspoons of dried basil leaves; 1 ½ teaspoons of salt (divided, or to taste); 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds; ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 ounces of ricotta cheese; 1 egg; ¾ pound of mozzarella cheese, sliced; ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

The World’s Best Lasagna recipe is a delightful culinary masterpiece that combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This classic Italian dish is a favorite around the globe for its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. With a hearty blend of sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a trio of cheeses, this lasagna is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a cozy homemade meal, this recipe promises to deliver pure culinary bliss with every forkful.

How to Make Lasagna

Making lasagna can indeed be a bit time-consuming, but the end product is absolutely worth every minute invested. In the recipe provided below, you’ll discover a thorough list of ingredients and a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect lasagna.

Lasagna Ingredients

This lasagna recipe is beloved by the Allrecipes community for its versatility. Here’s what you’ll need if you’re sticking to the original:

Meat: Sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef provide a hearty base.
Onion and Garlic: Enhance flavor with one onion and two cloves of garlic.
Tomato Products: You’ll require crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste for a rich sauce.
Sugar: Two tablespoons of white sugar subtly sweeten and balance the sauce.
Spices and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, dried basil leaves, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper add layers of flavor.
Lasagna Noodles: Opt for store-bought or homemade noodles.
Cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese create a luxurious texture.
Egg: Binding the ricotta ensures it stays intact within the lasagna.

How to Make Lasagna Step-By-Step

Here’s a concise breakdown of the steps involved in making homemade lasagna:

Prepare the meat sauce by cooking the meat and adding the necessary seasonings.
Boil the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente.
Mix together the ricotta mixture.
Layer the lasagna as instructed in the recipe.
Cover the dish with foil and bake until cooked through.
Allow the lasagna to rest before serving to let the flavors meld together.

How to Layer Lasagna

Here’s how to layer lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
Spoon a portion of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles and spread it out.
Add a layer of meat sauce on top of the ricotta mixture, covering it completely.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the final layer for extra flavor.
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake according to the recipe instructions.

How Long to Cook Lasagna

The assembled lasagna should take approximately 50 minutes to bake in a preheated oven set to 375 degrees F. Cover it with foil for the initial 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together, then remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for the remaining 25 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. Remember to let the lasagna rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

What to Serve With Lasagna:

Lasagna pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing, garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a side of roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes. A glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea can also complement the rich flavors of the lasagna.

How to Reheat Lasagna:

To reheat lasagna, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the leftover lasagna slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Be sure to check the temperature in the center to ensure it’s fully heated.

How to Freeze Lasagna:

To freeze lasagna, allow it to cool completely first. Cut it into individual portions or leave it whole if preferred. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place them in airtight freezer bags. Label the packages with the date and contents. Frozen lasagna can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Frozen Lasagna:

To reheat frozen lasagna, first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the lasagna from the freezer packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown and become crispy. Check the center with a knife or thermometer to ensure it’s thoroughly heated before serving.