Pin it This World's Best Lasagna is a comforting Italian classic featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling cheese—perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Pin it With a preparation time of 30 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this medium-difficulty dish yields 8 hearty slices. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, providing a satisfying and protein-rich meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Cheese
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned (8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Step 4
- Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 5
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth.
- Step 6
- To assemble, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Step 7
- Add 4 sheets of uncooked lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping.
- Step 8
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, top with a third of the mozzarella, then more meat sauce.
- Step 9
- Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce.
- Step 10
- Finish with the last layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 11
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 12
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 13
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
It is essential to let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set properly, ensuring clean slices that show off the beautiful structure of the dish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For added depth, you can layer in sautéed spinach or mushrooms with the ricotta mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses; use part-skim varieties to reduce fat, or whole milk cheese for extra richness.
Serviervorschläge
This Italian classic pairs beautifully with a side of crispy garlic bread and a robust Italian red wine such as Chianti to complement the savory meat sauce.
Pin it 
This lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings authentic Italian flavor to your table. Always remember to check labels for allergens such as wheat, milk, and egg before starting.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this lasagna the best?
The combination of both ground beef and Italian sausage creates depth of flavor, while the blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses offers the perfect balance of creamy and stringy textures. Layering uncooked noodles allows them to absorb sauce while baking.
- → Why is resting time important?
Resting for 15 minutes allows the layers to set, making slices hold their shape better. This time also lets the extremely hot interior cool slightly to a safe eating temperature while flavors continue to meld.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking cold. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- → Can I use no-boil noodles?
Traditional lasagna noodles work perfectly when layered uncooked—the moisture from the sauce cooks them during baking. No-boil noodles can be substituted but may result in a slightly softer texture.
- → What wine pairs well?
A robust Italian red wine like Chianti complements the rich meat sauce and cheeses beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness while the earthy notes harmonize with the herbs and beef.
- → How can I add vegetables?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be layered with the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Ensure vegetables are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the final dish.