Description

Craving a rich, comforting Italian classic that’s sure to impress? What if you could create the World’s Best Lasagna in about 2 hours, layering savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella into a bubbling, golden masterpiece? This beginner-friendly recipe, inspired by your love for hearty dishes like Mom’s Chicken Pot Pie and Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps, delivers a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

Sweet Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds rich, savory flavor with mild spices.
Lean Ground Beef (¾ lb): Provides hearty texture and protein.
Minced Onion (½ cup): Contributes savory depth and sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves, crushed): Infuses aromatic intensity.
Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Forms the base of the thick, tangy sauce.
Canned Tomato Sauce (2 cans, 6.5 oz each): Adds smooth, rich tomato flavor.
Canned Tomato Paste (2 cans, 6 oz each): Deepens the sauce’s color and flavor.
Water (½ cup): Thins the sauce slightly for simmering.
White Sugar (2 tbsp): Balances tomato acidity for a smoother taste.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (4 tbsp, divided): Adds fresh, herbaceous notes (2 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for ricotta).
Dried Basil Leaves (1½ tsp): Provides classic Italian herb flavor.
Salt (1½ tsp, divided): Enhances flavors (1 tsp for sauce, ½ tsp for ricotta).
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Blends oregano, thyme, and more for depth.
Fennel Seeds (½ tsp): Adds subtle anise-like warmth.
Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Brings a mild, spicy kick.

For the Lasagna

Lasagna Noodles (12): Forms the sturdy layers to hold the sauce and cheese.
Ricotta Cheese (16 oz): Creates a creamy, rich layer.
Egg (1): Binds the ricotta for a smooth, spreadable texture.
Mozzarella Cheese (¾ lb, sliced): Melts into gooey, stretchy layers.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup): Adds nutty, salty topping.

Substitutions and Variations

Sausage/Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for vegetarian/vegan; adjust cooking time if needed.
Onion: Use shallots or yellow onion for similar flavor.
Garlic: Replace with ½ tsp garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
Tomatoes: Use fresh crushed tomatoes (blend 2 lbs fresh) or fire-roasted canned for smokiness.
Ricotta: Substitute with cottage cheese (strained) or vegan ricotta for dietary needs.
Mozzarella: Swap with provolone or a mozzarella-provolone blend; use vegan cheese for vegan.
Parmesan: Replace with Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.
Noodles: Use no-boil lasagna noodles (adjust liquid in sauce) or gluten-free noodles.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use plant-based sausage and beef, vegan cheeses, and egg substitute (e.g., ¼ cup silken tofu).
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure canned ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Optional Additions

Veggies: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce, inspired by your Sausage and Veggies Skillet.
Herbs: Mix 1 tsp fresh oregano or thyme into the sauce, echoing your Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad.
Spice: Include ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat, inspired by your Cajun Grilled Chicken.

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, ¾ lb lean ground beef, ½ cup minced onion, and 2 cloves crushed garlic over medium heat until meat is well browned and onions are soft, about 8–10 minutes. Break up meat with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat if desired, leaving 1–2 tbsp for flavor.
- Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 (6.5 oz) cans tomato sauce, 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste, and ½ cup water.
- Add 2 tbsp white sugar, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1½ tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp fennel seeds, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Sauce should thicken slightly.
- Tip: Stir gently to avoid splattering; taste and adjust salt or sugar after 1 hour if needed.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking; lay flat on a clean towel or parchment paper.
- Tip: Cook a few extra noodles in case some tear; don’t overcook to maintain structure.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 16 oz ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and ½ tsp salt.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Tip: Use a fork or whisk for a creamy texture; refrigerate if preparing ahead to keep fresh.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a baking sheet in the oven to catch drips during baking.
- Tip: A preheated baking sheet ensures even baking and a crisp bottom layer.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread 1½ cups meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce, overlapping slightly to fit.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture (about 1 cup) over the noodles using a spatula.
- Top with ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese slices (about ¼ lb).
- Spoon 1½ cups meat sauce over the mozzarella and sprinkle with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers: 6 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, ⅓ mozzarella slices, 1½ cups meat sauce, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Top with remaining meat sauce (about 1½ cups), remaining mozzarella slices, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Tip: Press layers gently to compact; ensure noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent drying out.
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil, sprayed with cooking spray on the underside to prevent sticking to the cheese.
- Place on the preheated baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Tip: Check at 40 minutes; if cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove lasagna from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to set the layers.
- Slice into 12 portions and serve warm with sides like garlic bread, a Caesar salad (inspired by your Chicken Caesar Wrap), or a glass of red wine.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Tip: Use a sharp knife and spatula to cut and serve clean slices; rest time ensures easier cutting.