Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. Layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, savory meat, and gooey melted cheese come together to create the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a special celebration, or a cozy weekend meal, World’s Best Lasagna is sure to wow everyone at the table.
This lasagna recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, with perfectly balanced layers of flavor and a satisfying, hearty texture. Once you try it, you'll understand why it’s considered the best!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (about 15ml)
- 1 onion, diced (about 150g)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 12g)
- 500g ground beef
- 500g ground pork
- 1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (about 30g)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (about 8g)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil (about 1g)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (about 1g)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, about 1g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60g)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (about 30g)
- 4 cups whole milk (about 960ml)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (about 1g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (about 250g), cooked and drained
- 500g ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 200g)
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (about 150g)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef and ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps form. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and a layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, béchamel, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used. End with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Let it Rest
After removing the lasagna from the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to serve.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
💡 Tips & Tricks for the Best Lasagna
- Meat: Combining ground beef and ground pork gives the lasagna a rich, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano work wonderfully in the meat sauce if you have them available. Add about a tablespoon each of chopped fresh basil and oregano instead of dried.
- Extra cheesy: For an even cheesier lasagna, feel free to add extra mozzarella or a layer of provolone cheese in the middle layers.
- Freezing: Lasagna freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate it before baking, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
🧡 From My Kitchen to Yours
There’s no better comfort food than a homemade lasagna that’s packed with flavor and love. This World’s Best Lasagna combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a perfect blend of cheeses, making it a dish that will become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply craving something indulgent, this lasagna is sure to impress.
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