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World’s Best Lasagna

World's Best Lasagna
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The World’s Best Lasagna is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender pasta sheets, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It balances rich, authentic flavors with comforting textures, making it a beloved favorite that can be customized for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Lasagna Layers

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Variations

  • Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for vegetarian version
  • Gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced eggplant for gluten-free version
  • Red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for spicy kick
  • Provolone, fontina, or gouda to mix with cheeses
  • Béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce for white sauce version

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes to intensify the flavors.
  2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain carefully and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking while assembling the lasagna.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles on top, then spread a portion of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Simmer the sauce longer to develop richer, more complex flavors.
  • Do not overcook noodles; slightly undercook them to avoid mushy layers after baking.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure a balanced taste in every slice.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil for enhanced aroma and flavor just before baking.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking to set properly and ease cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, Italian, comfort food, layered pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce, baking, family meal, homemade lasagna

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/worlds-best-lasagna/