Why This Lasagna is the Best!

This homemade lasagna is layered with rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta—it’s the ultimate comfort food! 🍝🧀

If you're looking for the absolute best lasagna recipe, this is it. Made with a slow-simmered tomato and meat sauce, a luxuriously creamy ricotta mixture, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this lasagna is worth every bite.

Perfect for special family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later, this classic Italian favorite will impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Layers:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix until smooth and set aside.

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Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer in this order:
   • 3 cooked lasagna noodles
   • ⅓ of the ricotta mixture
   • ⅓ of the meat sauce
   • ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese
4. Repeat for two more layers, ending with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

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Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

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Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
2. Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a perfect Italian meal!

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Slow-simmered sauce = deep, rich flavor.
• A perfect balance of cheeses – Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan create the perfect bite.
• No watery lasagna! Cooking the sauce down helps prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-friendly & great for meal prep – Make ahead and enjoy later!

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Expert Tips & Tricks

• Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time!
• Don’t skip the resting time – This helps the layers set for clean slices.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for extra depth.
• Make it extra cheesy by adding burrata or fontina to the top layer.
• For a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat noodles.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

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Serving Suggestions

• With a side of garlic bread for extra crunch.
• Paired with a fresh Caesar salad for balance.
• With a glass of red wine to enhance the Italian flavors.
• Topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a gourmet touch.