Oh, lasagna! The mere mention of this dish makes my heart flutter and my taste buds tingle with excitement. I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where my Aunt Maria would grace us with her famous lasagna that seemed to vanish in mere minutes. The warm, cheesy layers and rich meat sauce were like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I make this recipe, I feel that same love and nostalgia wrapping around me, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Here’s the kicker—this isn’t just any lasagna; this is the world’s best lasagna! Okay, maybe I’m biased, but trust me, once you try it, you’ll be singing its praises too. With rich layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbly mozzarella cheese, it’s a comforting classic that never fails to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into how to create this masterpiece!
What’s in World’s Best Lasagna?
- Ground beef: The hearty base of our sauce. I prefer a 80/20 blend for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture!
- Italian sausage: It brings a delightful kick to the sauce. I usually opt for sweet Italian sausage, but feel free to use hot if you like it spicy!
- Onion and garlic: These flavor powerhouses infuse the meat sauce with warmth and depth. I always go for fresh garlic—because, why not?
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of our sauce! Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if you can—they’re known for their sweetness.
- Tomato paste and tomato sauce: These add richness and thickness to our blend. I always make sure to have an extra can of paste on hand; you’d be surprised how much I use!
- Herbs and spices: A sprinkle of sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper perfects the sauce’s flavor. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for garnish at the end!
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer adds a delicious contrast to the meat sauce. Some people even love adding a hint of lemon zest for a unique twist!
- Egg: It helps bind the ricotta mixture together so it stays creamy in every slice.
- Parmesan cheese: For that added nutty punch to the cheese layer, I recommend using freshly grated for the best texture.
- Lasagna noodles: You can’t have lasagna without these! You can go traditional or use no-boil noodles for a quicker option.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey gooey topping that pulls everything together. Always a generous helping here—no one likes a stingy lasagna!
Is World’s Best Lasagna Good for You?
Let’s be real—while lasagna isn’t a salad, it does have its merits! You’re getting a solid dose of protein from the ground beef and Italian sausage, along with calcium from the cheese! The crushed tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, and the fresh parsley adds a pop of vitamins.
However, be mindful of portion sizes, as this dish can be rich and calorific, especially when polished off with garlic bread. If you want to make it a bit healthier, consider using lean ground turkey in place of beef, opting for low-fat cheese, or loading up on extra veggies. Spinach or mushrooms can sneak into those layers too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz (800 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp salt
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make World’s Best Lasagna?
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat—trust me, we want to keep it delicious but not swimming in grease!
- Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally—just enough time to sip some wine or nibble on a snack!
- For the cheese mixture, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix well until smooth and dreamy!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, then half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella cheese, and then a third of the remaining meat sauce. Ready for round two? Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. To prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray! Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let that gorgeous lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it up. Garnish with some fresh parsley for that fabulous finish!
Tips for Lasagna Lovers!
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding some red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering. Cheers to that, right?
- If you want to make this ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to bake.
- Feel free to slide in some fresh spinach or sautéed veggies between those layers for a bonus health kick!
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at the table!
This World’s Best Lasagna has become a staple in my household, and I hope it becomes yours too! It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just those nights when you crave something that feels like home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a masterpiece together. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share your lasagna adventures!
