This lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser with its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
When I make this dish, I almost hear my family cheer! 😄 The secret is to let it bake until bubbly and golden—it makes all the yummy flavors come together! Enjoy with a side salad for the perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional flat lasagna noodles are great, but you can use no-boil noodles for ease, which saves time. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free lasagna sheets.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, you could use lentils or a mix of chopped veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese works well! Just blend it a bit to make it smoother. Vegan cheese can substitute if you prefer a plant-based option.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use provolone or a mix of cheeses for different flavors. Parmesan is key for that salty finish, so don’t skip it!
How do I Keep My Lasagna from Being Watery?
One common challenge with lasagna is ending up with a watery dish. Here are some tips to prevent that:
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat after browning. This eliminates extra moisture.
- Simmer your sauce long enough to thicken. A thicker sauce holds up better between layers.
- Layering your ingredients correctly helps too. Use less sauce between layers to keep it balanced.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking allows excess moisture to evaporate, making it easier to slice.
These simple steps will help create a beautifully layered lasagna that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning on your dinner table!
World’s Best Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 1 hour total to prepare and cook. This includes 15 minutes for prep time, 30 minutes for cooking the sauce, and 25 minutes for baking. Just remember to let it cool for 15 minutes before serving to get those perfect slices!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente (a little firm). Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them out on a lightly oiled surface to keep them from sticking together.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Then, add in the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
While the sauce is simmering, in a mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until nicely blended.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then lay down 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta layer. Follow with another generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with the last of the noodles topped with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (to avoid sticking, you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray). Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, until the top cheese is bubbling and golden.
8. Slice and Serve:
Let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it up and serving. This helps it hold its shape when you cut into it. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired—then dig in and enjoy this amazing meal!
With layers of flavor and a cheesy, hearty texture, this truly is the world’s best lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver and can be used directly in the recipe without pre-cooking. Just add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook through properly during baking.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well as an alternative. Just blend it for a smoother texture. For a vegan option, you can opt for tofu blended with nutritional yeast and lemon juice.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the meat.
