If you're searching for the best lasagna recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and filling, look no further. This homemade lasagna is worth every minute of preparation.
Over 20 years ago, John Chandler shared this iconic lasagna recipe on Allrecipes, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Today, it still ranks as one of the most popular lasagna recipes online, with millions of views each year.
Sadly, John passed away unexpectedly at 53, but his legacy lives on through his beloved recipe. Discover why the World's Best Lasagna continues to be a go-to comfort dish for home cooks everywhere.
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| World's Best Lasagna Recipe: How to Make the Ultimate Comfort Dish |
Lasagna Ingredients: What You'll Need
This classic lasagna recipe is highly adaptable. However, to stay true to the original version, here’s what you’ll need:
- Meat: A combination of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef gives the lasagna its signature hearty flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic ingredients are sautéed with the meat for a rich, savory base.
- Tomato Products: You'll need crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to create a robust tomato sauce.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar (two tablespoons) enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Spices & Seasonings: Fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper bring depth to the sauce.
- Lasagna Noodles: Use store-bought or homemade lasagna noodles.
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese make this dish extra creamy and decadent.
- Egg: An egg helps bind the ricotta so it stays firm while baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lasagna
Here’s a quick overview of the process. Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe below:
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the sausage and ground beef, then add your tomato products, sugar, and seasonings.
- Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then rinse with cold water.
- Make the ricotta mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and salt.
- Layer the lasagna: Layer noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan as outlined in the recipe.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes, uncovering for the last 25 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes before slicing.
How to Layer Lasagna
The success of lasagna lies in the layering. Follow this order for the perfect balance of flavors:
- Meat sauce
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta mixture
- Mozzarella slices
- Meat sauce
- Parmesan cheese
Repeat the layers and top with Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lasagna
Cooking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the lasagna for 50 minutes, covering with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil for the remaining time to achieve a golden top layer. Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With Lasagna
Complement your lasagna with simple, delicious side dishes. Try these popular options:
- Garlic Knots: Soft and chewy bread tied with garlic butter.
- Arugula-Fennel Salad: A refreshing, light salad with a zesty dressing.
- Balsamic Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini drizzled with balsamic vinegar for a healthy side.
For more inspiration, check out our full collection of 12 Easy Side Dishes for Lasagna.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Lasagna
Reheating Lasagna
While the microwave is a quick option, reheating lasagna in the oven will maintain the best texture. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing Lasagna
To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a foil baking dish. Let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating Frozen Lasagna
Thaw the frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as you would fresh lasagna. If you're in a hurry, you can bake it straight from frozen—just add extra cook time.
Allrecipes Community Tips & Reviews
This lasagna recipe has received rave reviews from home cooks:
- "This lasagna is restaurant-quality," says a reviewer from St. Louis. "The sauce is to die for!"
- "Worth every minute," another user comments. "The sweet Italian sausage adds amazing flavor, and the ricotta is perfect."
- "Absolutely phenomenal," says Amanda. "You’ll never go back to frozen lasagna again."
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- ¾ lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6.5 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 4 tbsp fresh parsley, divided
- 1 ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ¾ lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
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| Gather all ingredients |
- Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until browned.
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| Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic |
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, parsley, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for 1.5 hours.
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| Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water |
- Boil lasagna noodles in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
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| Boil lasagna noodles |
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, and salt.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna by spreading meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan.
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| Assemble the lasagna |
- Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
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| Let lasagna rest |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| 448 | Calories |
| 21g | Fat |
| 37g | Carbs |
| 30g | Protein |
