Name: World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound sweet Italian sausage; 3/4 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup minced onion; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (6.5 oz) cans tomato sauce; 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

World’s Best Lasagna Recipe

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A rich, layered classic lasagna made with slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tender noodles for the perfect Italian pasta dinner.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

1 pound sweet Italian sausage 3/4 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup minced onion 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes 2 (6.5 oz) cans tomato sauce 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons white sugar 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 12 lasagna noodles 16 ounces ricotta cheese 1 large egg 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook Meat: Brown Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven until well caramelized.
Build Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
Season: Add sugar, parsley, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper.
Simmer: Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Boil Noodles: Cook in salted water for 8–10 minutes, drain, rinse.
Prepare Ricotta Mix: Combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and remaining salt.
Assemble Layers: Spread 1 1/2 cups sauce in a 9x13 dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, sauce, and Parmesan.
Repeat Layers: Build the second layer and finish with remaining cheeses.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes.
Rest: Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Simmering the sauce is key for depth of flavor. Allow lasagna to rest before slicing to help it firm. Adjust cheeses to taste for creamier or sharper flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 448
Fat: 21g
Saturated fat: 10g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 1400mg
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g