Name: World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound sweet Italian sausage; 3/4 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste; 2 cans (6.5 ounces each) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil); 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced; 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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If you’re looking for a dish that lives up to bold promises, you’ve just found a keeper—World’s Best Lasagna. This isn’t just another layered pasta bake; it’s a labor of love that brings together melting cheeses, a robust, deeply flavored meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. Each bite is the ultimate comfort food experience, guaranteed to win over family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to grab a slice. Whether you’re new to lasagna or it’s your dinnertime tradition, this version boasts all the dreamy qualities that make it truly unforgettable.

World’s Best Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in World’s Best Lasagna serves a delicious purpose. These down-to-earth staples transform into layers bursting with richness, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness and herbs. Pay attention to each component—they all play their part in making this the standout lasagna you’ll crave again and again.

Sweet Italian Sausage: This provides the iconic, savory base and a whisper of anise from the fennel.
Lean Ground Beef: Balances the sausage with hearty depth—look for 85% lean for the best texture.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and body to the sauce; chop finely for best results.
Garlic Cloves (minced): Just two cloves infuse the entire dish with irresistible aroma.
Crushed Tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms the juicy, tomato-packed heart of the sauce.
Tomato Paste (two 6-ounce cans): Intensifies that tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Tomato Sauce (two 6.5-ounce cans): Rounds out the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
Water (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce a bit, helping everything simmer together perfectly.
Sugar (2 tablespoons): Just a touch; it tames the tomatoes’ acidity and lets the other flavors shine.
Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped; or 2 teaspoons dried): Brings freshness and that signature Italian taste.
Fennel Seeds (1 teaspoon): Offers a back note of licorice, totally classic in Italian sausage recipes.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Makes the sauce sing with oregano, thyme, and other herbs.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Layered seasoning is key—don’t skimp or skip it.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle spice to harmonize the sauce.
Fresh Parsley (4 tablespoons, chopped, divided): Adds color and an herby burst to both filling and sauce.
Lasagna Noodles (12 pieces): The ultimate foundation—they soak up all those flavors as they cook.
Ricotta Cheese (16 ounces): Creamy, dreamy, and classic; provides richness in every bite.
Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta layer, so it stays delightfully fluffy.
Mozzarella Cheese (3/4 pound, sliced): Melts like a dream and creates that signature bubbly, cheesy crown.
Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and umami-packed for extra punch on top of every layer.

How to Make World’s Best Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Meat Sauce

Begin by browning the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. You’re looking for deeply browned meat and softened aromatics—this will layer in incredible flavor from the first bite. Take the time to break up the meat, stir, and savor the fragrance as the kitchen fills with anticipation!

Step 2: Simmer the Perfect Sauce

Once the meats are browned and aromatic, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Then, sprinkle in the sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Bring this all to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it work its magic for about 1 1/2 hours—stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The sauce develops rich depth and practically sings with Italian flavor by the end.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop them from cooking further and sticking. If you like, lay them flat on a kitchen towel until you’re ready to assemble—no more torn noodles!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Ricotta Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and the final 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir thoroughly until creamy and smooth—this step helps the ricotta stay rich and fluffy throughout the bake instead of leaking away.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Now comes the fun and impressive part! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of your robust meat sauce into the bottom of the dish. Layer 3 cooked noodles lengthwise, cover with a third of the ricotta mixture, scatter a third of the mozzarella slices, and spoon on more sauce. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with all the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a melty, golden top that signals true World’s Best Lasagna.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Cover the lasagna loosely with foil (be sure to tent it so it doesn’t touch that glorious cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 25 minutes so the cheese turns beautifully golden and bubbly. Take a deep breath—the aroma is worth the wait! Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing; this helps it hold its shape and keeps every forkful picture-perfect.

How to Serve World’s Best Lasagna

Garnishes

Finish each generous square with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or torn basil leaves. For a little extra wow-factor, a grating of fresh Parmesan adds both a savory note and that irresistible Italian charm. Even a drizzle of robust olive oil right before serving can make each slice gleam.

Side Dishes

The best partners for World’s Best Lasagna keep things simple and fresh. Think a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, classic garlic bread that’s perfect for sopping up sauce, or gently roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. These sides perk up the meal without overpowering the star of your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take things up a notch? Serve mini lasagna squares as appetizers on a platter with skewers, or cut the lasagna into smaller rectangles for a buffet. For a dinner party, pair each serving with a sprig of fresh basil or even a dollop of pesto to add color and a burst of herbal flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover World’s Best Lasagna is practically a meal-prep dream. Once cooled, cover the baking dish or transfer slices to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors meld even more overnight, and it keeps beautifully for up to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, lasagna is one of the best make-ahead freezer meals out there. Let the assembled, unbaked lasagna cool in the fridge first, then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to three months. You can also freeze baked slices—just wrap individually for quick, satisfying lunches.

Reheating

Gently reheat refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil so the cheese stays moist—about 25 minutes does the trick. If frozen, bake the entire lasagna at 375°F for 60 to 70 minutes, keeping it covered until the last 10 minutes so the top gets perfectly bubbly and golden.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! No-boil or oven-ready noodles work well for World’s Best Lasagna—just add them dry, and be sure your sauce is on the thinner side, as those noodles will soak up extra moisture as they cook.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a slightly lighter, more textured filling. For the creamiest result, use small curd cottage cheese and even give it a quick blend for a smoother texture.

What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

The secret is to simmer your sauce until it’s nice and thick, drain your noodles well, and let the lasagna rest before cutting. Resting gives all those layers time to set, resulting in gorgeous slices every time.

Can I make World’s Best Lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meats and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for heartiness and flavor. You can even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist that still feels indulgent.

How far ahead can I assemble this lasagna?

You can assemble World’s Best Lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed (adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge).

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like the cozy, soul-satisfying embrace of World’s Best Lasagna. Whether you’re celebrating, feeding a crowd, or just want something truly special, this recipe is your ticket to lasagna greatness. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make it tonight and fall in love with lasagna all over again!

World’s Best Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the World’s Best Lasagna. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan come together to create a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2 cans (6.5 ounces each) tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, divided

Additional Ingredients:

12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large Dutch oven, cook the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and salt.
Assemble the Lasagna: Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish. Repeat layers and bake.
Bake: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 25 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.