World’s Best Lasagna
If you’re searching for the best lasagna recipe, you’ve arrived at the right place. The World’s Best Lasagna is renowned for its rich, savory flavors and melting cheese that instantly captivates taste buds. It takes a little work, but as many will attest, it is truly rewarding.
Yield and Total Cooking Time
Making the World’s Best Lasagna is quite an affair, but it’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen. The recipe serves 12, ideal for family gatherings or a week’s worth of meals. Here’s a quick glimpse at the time investment:
– Prep Time: 30 mins
– Cooking Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
– Additional Time: 15 mins
– Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Best Lasagna Recipe Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Noodles and Cheese Layers:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ¾ pound sliced mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions for the Best Lasagna Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, cook the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, minced onion, and crushed garlic over medium heat until well browned. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix in the sugar, dried basil leaves, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Simmer, covered, on low heat for about 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with fresh parsley, an egg, and the remaining salt.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1½ cups of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of the sliced mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil to prevent sticking, removing the foil in the last 15 minutes to brown the top. Bake for 25 minutes more, then remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Healthy Cooking Tips
While this lasagna recipe is indulgent, there are optional healthier methods for preparation. Consider using whole grain lasagna noodles to increase fiber content. Additionally, substitute part-skim ricotta cheese to reduce fat content. For a more authentic touch without added salt, layer thin slices of fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. These changes won’t compromise on the delightful taste of the World’s Best Lasagna.
Why You’ll Love the World’s Best Lasagna
In conclusion, this recipe exemplifies comfort food at its finest. Above all, the harmonious blend of seasoned meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta makes each bite enticing and satisfying. This best lasagna recipe is perfect for those special occasions when you want to impress. Its simplicity in ingredients, despite the labor of love, guarantees that your family and friends will be back for seconds!
