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World’s Best Lasagna Recipe

4.5 from 138 reviews

This World’s Best Lasagna recipe is a classic Italian-American comfort food favorite featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of melted cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect as a hearty dinner for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg and parsley, mixing until smooth.
  4. Assemble the lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then cover with one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a cheese layer on top.
  5. Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcook the noodles to avoid mushy layers.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for different flavors.
  • For a richer taste, use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
  • Leftover lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats nicely.

Keywords: lasagna, Italian, comfort food, baked pasta, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan