If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that truly hits all the right notes, look no further than the World’s Best Lasagna Recipe. Imagine layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, bubbly mozzarella, and perfectly tender noodles all baked to golden bubbly perfection. This lasagna is a crowd-pleaser through and through, combining simple, heartfelt ingredients that come together into a dish that feels like a warm, generous hug from your favorite Italian nonna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the magic of the World’s Best Lasagna Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from the savory blend of Italian turkey sausage and ground beef, to the fresh herbs that bring brightness, to the cheeses that provide creamy, melty goodness.
- 1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage: Adds a slightly sweet and aromatic depth to the meat sauce.
- 3/4 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty texture and rich flavor to the layers.
- 1/2 cup minced onion: Builds the flavor base with mild sweetness and fragrance.
- 2 cloves crushed garlic: Essential for that quintessential Italian savory punch.
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Forms the robust and tangy heart of the sauce.
- Two 6 ounce cans tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Two 6.5 ounce cans canned tomato sauce (or one 15 oz. can): Balances acidity and keeps the sauce rich and smooth.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps loosen the tomato paste and meld all sauce elements perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons sugar (optional): Cuts any harsh acidity, smoothing out the tomato sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional): Adds a subtle, sweet anise note that complements the sausage.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A savory blend that ties all herbs together beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Elevates all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
- 4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (divided): Brings a fresh, bright finishing touch.
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no cook): The delicious layers that hold everything together.
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, adds richness and moisture.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the ricotta’s natural flavor.
- 3/4 pound shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted, gooey, and delightfully stringy cheese.
- 3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it adds a salty finish on top.
How to Make World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. The aroma you’ll get here is a sign that you’re off to a great start! Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce balanced. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water, making sure all those rich flavors meld together. Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the fresh parsley. Let this simmer gently, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours so every bite locks in deep, layered tomato and meat flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce simmers away, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, salt, and the remaining parsley. This mixture will bring silky creaminess to the dish, acting as a luscious contrast to the savory layers of meat and tomato sauce. Mixing the egg in helps it hold its shape inside the lasagna as it bakes, giving you beautiful, distinct layers with every slice.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. No cook noodles? You’re in luck — they’ll soften during baking, saving you a step without sacrificing texture. Just be sure to have your sauce a bit on the saucier side to keep noodles perfectly tender as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna
Grab a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then layer noodles over the sauce, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat the process. Finish with a generous layer of meat sauce topped off with mozzarella and Parmesan for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes to let the cheese brown and bubble. Once done, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time allows the lasagna to set, making slicing effortless and keeping all those layers intact.
How to Serve World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top not only adds a lovely pop of green but also freshens every bite. You can also shave a bit of Parmesan cheese for extra cheese heaven right before serving.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads — think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. For a warm side, garlic bread is an unbeatable companion, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, try layering your lasagna in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. It gives a charming, rustic look and lets everyone enjoy a personal portion of the World’s Best Lasagna Recipe. You can even cut the servings into neat squares and arrange them on a large platter for buffet-style feasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is famously great as leftovers, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Keep any extra portions covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to use an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap and foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze your World’s Best Lasagna Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the whole lasagna, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes. If reheating individual slices, a microwave on medium heat works well, but the oven method keeps the texture and cheesy goodness perfect.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the meats for a hearty mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of water in the sauce for extra flavor.
Is it necessary to use both turkey sausage and ground beef?
While you can use just one, combining turkey sausage and ground beef adds a wonderful balance of flavor and texture — the sausage brings subtle sweetness and seasoning that compliments the beef’s richness beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely! This lasagna is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake right before serving. It saves stress and allows the flavors to mingle even more.
What type of cheese should I use for the best flavor?
Classic mozzarella and Parmesan work best for their melting qualities and flavor. Whole milk mozzarella offers a great creamy melt, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses that contain anti-caking agents, as they don’t melt as well.
Can I use no-boil noodles, and will it change the baking time?
Yes, no-boil noodles work wonderfully and save time. Just ensure your sauce is slightly more fluid to help the noodles cook through. Baking time remains similar, but always check that noodles are tender before serving.
Final Thoughts
This World’s Best Lasagna Recipe is more than a meal — it’s an experience, a celebration of flavors and textures that satisfy soul and appetite alike. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this lasagna promises smiles, seconds, and maybe even thirds. So roll up your sleeves and bring this classic Italian treasure to your table; I truly believe it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine.
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World’s Best Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This World’s Best Lasagna Recipe is a classic Italian-American favorite that layers rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender lasagna noodles, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this hearty dish is made with a blend of sweet Italian turkey sausage, lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for an incredibly flavorful and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage
- 3/4 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- Two 6 ounce cans tomato paste
- Two 6.5 ounce cans canned tomato sauce or one 15 oz. can
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
Lasagna Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles, regular or no cook (no cook noodles recommended)
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the sweet Italian turkey sausage and lean ground beef until browned, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Drain excess fat. Add the minced onion and crushed garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Then add sugar, dried basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the chopped fresh parsley. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and let it cook uncovered for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop a rich flavor.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Noodles: While the sauce simmers, in a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the remaining chopped parsley. Set aside. If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. No-cook noodles can be used directly.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Finish the top layer with remaining noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil, you can spray the foil with cooking spray first). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set for easier slicing.
Notes
- Using no-cook noodles can save time, but either regular or no-cook noodles will work well.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold together when sliced.
- The optional sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted if preferred.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat mixture to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Customize the seasoning to your taste by adjusting herbs and spices.
