Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. There’s just something so utterly satisfying about layers of tender pasta, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a crisp, golden-brown top. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings and potlucks.
But not all lasagnas are created equal. Some are dry and lacking in flavor, while others turn into a soupy, unappetizing mess. Achieving the perfect lasagna – with the right balance of textures and that signature ooey-gooey cheesy goodness – can be tricky.
That’s why I’m sharing my all-time favorite, tried-and-true lasagna recipe. This is the BEST lasagna you’ll ever taste, with layer upon layer of rich, meaty sauce, a creamy three-cheese filling, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s a labor of love, but I promise the end result is more than worth it. Get ready for your new go-to lasagna recipe!
1. The Best Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
For the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
For the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
To Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese filling over the noodles, then top with 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce.
Add another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, the remaining cheese filling, and 1 1/2 cups meat sauce.
Top with the final 4 lasagna noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the top evenly with the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This lasagna recipe yields an incredibly flavorful, perfectly textured, and utterly satisfying meal. The combination of the robust meat sauce, the creamy cheese filling, and the tender noodles is simply unbeatable.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a potluck, serving up a comforting family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit. It also freezes beautifully, so you can easily make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers later.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up the best lasagna you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is an absolute must-try!
