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World’s Best Lasagna

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This ‘World’s Best Lasagna’ is a mouthwatering, comforting classic with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Made with sweet Italian sausage and ground beef, it’s a hearty, filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its rich, flavorful sauce and cheesy layers, this lasagna will become your go-to recipe!

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

1 pound sweet Italian sausage

¾ pound lean ground beef

½ cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

½ cup water

2 tablespoons white sugar

4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided

1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves

1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

12 lasagna noodles

16 ounces ricotta cheese

1 egg

¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tablespoons of parsley, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. Simmer, covered, for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in lightly salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 ½ cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture, then top with 1/3 of mozzarella slices. Spoon 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake: Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve: Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Add Vegetables: You can add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in place of the meat for a vegetarian version.

Use Different Meats: Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.

Extra Cheese: For even cheesier lasagna, add provolone or fontina cheese to the layers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/worlds-best-lasagna/