This lasagna is packed with layers of rich meat, creamy cheese, and hearty sauce that makes every bite amazing. It’s like a warm hug of deliciousness on a plate! 😍
I’ve always found that the cheesy topping never lasts long at my house! Serve it fresh with a sprinkle of herbs on top, and you’ll see everyone diving in for seconds. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor, but any ground meat works! Try turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Tomatoes: Canned, crushed tomatoes are awesome for easy prep. If you have fresh tomatoes, use around 2 lb—they’ll taste fantastic. You can also add tomato puree for a thicker sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: This is key for the creamy layers. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice as a substitute.
No-Boil Noodles: These save time and are super convenient, but regular noodles can work too! Just remember to cook them beforehand and ensure you have enough sauce to keep them moist.
How Do I Get Perfect Layers in My Lasagna?
Layering is an important step to ensure each bite is full of flavors. Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. For each layer, spread ingredients evenly to maintain balance.
- Alternate between noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
- Don’t overfill; a little goes a long way! Aim for two or three layers maximum.
- Finish with noodles and top with sauce and cheese to seal it all in.
Letting the lasagna rest after baking is essential too! This helps set the layers, making it easier to cut without everything sliding apart.
World’s Best Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 6 oz (170g) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lasagna recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes on preparation, including making the meat sauce, cooking the noodles, and mixing the ricotta. Then, let it bake for about 45 minutes, and make sure to leave some time for it to rest before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Then add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything well and bring it to a slow simmer. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the Noodles:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions if you are not using no-boil noodles. Drain them and lay them out flat on a lightly oiled pan or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Mix the Ricotta:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a little salt and pepper. Mix well until it becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture evenly spread across the noodles. Spoon some meat sauce over the ricotta and then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Continue Layering:
Repeat the layers—noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella—two more times. For the final layer, place down the last of the noodles, top it with the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil (try to tent it a bit so the cheese doesn’t stick to the foil) and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let it Rest:
Once done, let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy the rich, cheesy, meaty layers of this ultimate lasagna—it truly might be the world’s best!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well, as these meats are less fatty than beef and may need a bit more flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quicker options.
Can I Freeze Lasagna?
Yes!, Lasagna freezes very well. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. You can freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. When you are ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What If I Don’t Have Mozzarella Cheese?
If mozzarella is unavailable, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. Just make sure they melt well for that perfect cheesy topping!