Description
The World’s Best Lasagna is a classic Italian-inspired layered casserole featuring savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting and creamy dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining, offering rich flavors, luscious textures, and an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Filling
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or boiled according to preference)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This mixture will create the rich and binding cheese layers.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, then a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and another layer of sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to prevent greasy sauce.
- Use fresh basil and oregano for brighter, more authentic flavors.
- Limit to 3-4 pasta layers to avoid heaviness.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
- No-boil noodles save time without sacrificing texture.
- Cover with foil during baking to keep moisture, then uncover for a golden cheese top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg