The Best Lasagna Recipe Ever

This lasagna recipe isn’t just good; it’s legendary. Passed down through generations, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any potluck, family dinner, or even a cozy night in. The key to its success lies in the perfectly balanced layers, the richness of the meat sauce, and the creamy, cheesy topping. Get ready to impress!

Ingredients:

• Meat Sauce:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Cheese Mixture:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Other:
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: meat sauce, 3 noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
6. Rest: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the noodles: They should be slightly underdone, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer for a long time: This will deepen the flavors.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat sauce.

Enjoy this amazing lasagna! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.