Hearty, cheesy, meaty, and layered to perfection — this is the ultimate comfort food classic!
When you think of homey, soul-warming meals, lasagna probably tops the list. But this isn't just any lasagna — this is the World’s Best Lasagna, layered with rich homemade meat sauce, velvety ricotta, and melty mozzarella. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week, this recipe is tried-and-true comfort food that never goes out of style.
📝 Ingredients
Serves 8–10
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth or red wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add ground beef, sausage, and onions. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth or wine, sugar, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Noodles
If using regular lasagna noodles, boil according to package directions, then drain and lay flat on parchment or foil. Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
Layer 3–4 noodles, then spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, 1 cup meat sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.
Repeat layers two more times. Top with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
5. Bake
Cover tightly with foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
🧠 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbs: ~32g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
Values may vary slightly based on cheese and noodle type used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to bake time if cold.
- Freezer friendly: Freeze unbaked lasagna tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Layering tip: Always start with sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor from the first bite.
- Cheese boost: Add a layer of provolone or fontina for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetarian version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
✨ For Your Website
This World’s Best Lasagna recipe is the centerpiece of any table — rich, satisfying, and layered with love. Whether you're hosting dinner guests or meal prepping for the week, this dish guarantees satisfied appetites and rave reviews. It's the kind of recipe people bookmark, share, and treasure.
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