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World’s Best Lasagna

World's Best Lasagna: A Heartwarming Family Favorite Recipe

Experience the World’s Best Lasagna, a hearty dish loaded with rich meat sauce and creamy layers perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Sweet Italian Sausage Adds a rich, savory flavor; substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Provides hearty texture; can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 Minced Onion White or yellow onions work interchangeably.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Forms the bulk of the sauce; fresh tomatoes require cooking down.
  • 13 oz Tomato Sauce Use 2 cans for richness; can substitute with additional crushed tomatoes.
  • 12 oz Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce; can replace with more crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 cup Water Can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth.
  • 2 tbsp White Sugar Balances acidity; honey or maple syrup can be replacements.
  • 4 tbsp Fresh Parsley, divided Dried parsley can substitute in half the amount.
  • 1.5 tsp Dried Basil Leaves Oregano can be a reasonable replacement.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Blend of Italian herbs.
  • 0.5 tsp Fennel Seeds Omit if unavailable.
  • 1.25 tsp Salt, divided Use Kosher or sea salt to taste.
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Black Pepper Consider white pepper for a milder option.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 16 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can be a lower-fat alternative.
  • 1 Egg Can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 12 oz Sliced Mozzarella Cheese Fresh mozzarella enhances flavor; use provolone for a different taste.
  • 0.75 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano could be used instead.
For the Lasagna
  • 12 Lasagna Noodles Oven-ready noodles can eliminate the cooking step.

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions for World’s Best Homemade Meat Lasagna
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and ground beef, browning and breaking apart. Stir in onions and crushed garlic, cooking until softened. Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer with noodles, half the ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with noodles and meat sauce. Top with Parmesan.
  5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 25 minutes until golden.
  6. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow your lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. For richer flavor, prepare the meat sauce a day in advance.

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