This lasagna is filled with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs. Each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds!
Honestly, who doesn’t love cheese? I always make sure to have extra on top—because more cheese is never a bad idea! It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Preparing this lasagna is surprisingly simple. Just layer everything up and let the oven do its magic. I love making it ahead of time so I can enjoy more time with loved ones!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A mix of beef and pork adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer lighter options, ground turkey or chicken works well, but beef remains a classic choice.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives creaminess to the layers. For a lighter option, try cottage cheese, or if you’re dairy-free, use tofu blended with a bit of nutritional yeast for a similar texture.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give a rich base for the sauce. You could swap them for diced tomatoes or even use tomato sauce in a pinch. Just adjust the seasonings to maintain the flavor balance.
Parmesan Cheese: A must for that cheesy finish! If you’re out, a mix of Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can add a salty flavor in a pinch.
How Do You Make the Meat Sauce Flavorful?
The meat sauce is where the magic begins! Here’s how to make it rich and delicious:
- Sauté onions and garlic: Cook until soft to develop a good base flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Browning the meat: Ensure it gets a nice brown color for depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: Add sugar to balance acidity from tomatoes. Don’t skip the herbs as they bring freshness!
- Simmer: Let it cook low and slow; this helps meld all the flavors together.
This step is crucial for that hearty, homemade taste! Remember, taste as you go to adjust the flavors to your liking.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Lasagna?
Layering is key for a great lasagna! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a bit of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Lay noodles side by side without overlapping too much, as they expand when cooked.
- Add your cheese mixture, followed by meat sauce. Repeat the layers evenly for balanced flavor and texture.
- Finish with sauce and a generous sprinkle of cheese on top to create a nice golden crust.
Taking your time with the layers gives you a beautiful lasagna that tastes amazing! Enjoy every cheesy bite.
World’s Best Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or cooked regular lasagna noodles)
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take approximately 20 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for cooking. To savor the flavors, let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. Altogether, you should plan for about 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or your chosen mix) to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
3. Create the Sauce:
Now it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. If you’re using water or red wine, add that too. Mix in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer on a low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of the Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While your meat sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, lay down 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread about one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top it off with one-third of the meat sauce.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Continue the layering process two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce until you’ve used everything up.
8. Final Touches:
On the top layer of noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top for that gooey, cheesy finish!
9. Bake:
To prevent sticking, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (optionally spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove Foil and Finish Baking:
After 25 minutes, take off the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese on top!
11. Rest Before Serving:
Let your lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set up nicely.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve! Enjoy your hearty, homemade lasagna with friends and family!
This classic lasagna is rich, hearty, and perfect for gatherings. Each layer brings tenderness, tasty meat sauce, and cheesiness that will make you come back for seconds. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can use regular lasagna noodles that you cook beforehand or try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles as a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if needed!
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for an easier option.
Can I Customize the Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap out cheeses or use marinara sauce instead of meat sauce for a vegetarian version!
