If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings friends and family together around the table, look no further than The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe. With savory layers of perfectly seasoned meat, ribbons of creamy ricotta, melty cheese, and just the right touch of fresh herbs, every bite is blissful. This classic Italian favorite pairs timeless flavors with an easy-to-follow method, making it a must-have for cozy weeknights and special occasions alike. Get ready to wow your loved ones and unlock the mouthwatering magic of The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe in your own kitchen—trust me, you’re going to love every forkful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about these simple, yet essential, ingredients. Each one has its own special role: the meats make it hearty, the cheeses give that irresistible gooeyness, and those herbs and tomatoes tie it all together in pure Italian style. Here’s what you’ll need to make The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe truly unforgettable:
- Lasagna noodles (12): Go for classic or oven-ready; traditional noodles give you classic texture, but no-boil works for convenience—just tweak your sauce!
- Ground beef (1 pound): This brings rich, meaty depth to every single bite.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds a burst of spiced flavor and blends perfectly with the beef.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): The aromatic foundation that sets up the whole sauce—don’t skip it.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic makes a world of difference for that irresistible aroma.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Choose your favorite; it’s the saucy backbone of the whole dish.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): These add texture and real tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce just right.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings out those classic Italian herbal notes.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): For that rustic, pizza-parlor warmth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to highlight all the other flavors, so taste as you go.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick, grounding the seasoning mix.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy, smooth, and absolutely essential for those dreamy layers.
- Egg (1 large): Helps the ricotta mixture stay thick and sliceable.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A pop of color and fresh flavor—save some for garnishing!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): The melt factor and stretchiness everyone craves in a lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (3/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch to tie the whole dish together.
- Olive oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of fruitiness to the finished bake.
How to Make The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil—this keeps those delicious noodles from sticking and helps your lasagna lift out in perfect squares. Assemble all your ingredients so everything is at your fingertips. Trust me, being organized makes The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe even more enjoyable to make.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook until just al dente, following package instructions—usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain them and lay each noodle flat on a sheet of parchment to keep them from sticking. This is a small extra step, but it really saves your sanity when you layer later!
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and crumbly. Break up any big pieces with a spoon as you go. When the meat is almost done, add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in your marinara, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings—basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer for 10–15 minutes, bubbling away into a rich, flavorful sauce. This is where The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe really starts to shine.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While your sauce simmers, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley together in a medium bowl. This combination will give your lasagna those cloud-like creamy layers, helping each slice hold together without being too heavy.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Now for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of your meaty sauce over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place 4 noodles lengthwise to cover (overlap a little if you need to). Spoon a third of the ricotta mixture on top, then a third of the meat sauce, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan for that classic golden top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish loosely with foil—this keeps all that cheesy goodness from browning too quickly. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and gloriously golden. Let the lasagna rest, loosely tented, for 10–15 minutes so everything settles—this patience makes slicing easier and prevents the layers from sliding apart.
How to Serve The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
When serving The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a burst of color and a refreshing aroma. A light dusting of extra Parmesan over the hot, melty cheese is always a crowd-pleaser—plus, it makes your lasagna look just as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to shine all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread brings the meal full circle. A simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette cleanses the palate, while the bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, slice your lasagna into neat squares and stack them slightly off-center on each plate. Drizzle a ribbon of extra marinara around the base, or serve in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can even offer a trio of toppings on the side—fresh herbs, chili flakes, and roasted pine nuts—so everyone can customize their slice of The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Place cooled slices into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, giving you a next-day lunch or dinner that tastes almost even better than the first time around.
Freezing
The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole baked lasagna, or individual pieces, tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag for up to three months. If preparing ahead, simply assemble as usual, cover well, and freeze before baking. It’s your secret weapon for busy nights or impromptu guests!
Reheating
To reheat from the fridge, cover your lasagna with foil and warm at 350°F until it’s heated through—usually 25–30 minutes. For frozen lasagna, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat as above. If you’re in a hurry, individual slices can be microwaved on medium power in a pinch—just add a splash of water and cover to keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a convenient shortcut for The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe. Just make sure your sauce is a little thicker, as these noodles release water while baking. You might want to simmer your sauce a few extra minutes so your lasagna comes out perfectly sliceable, not watery.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you prefer a milder lasagna or don’t eat pork, feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based version. You can also use all ground beef for a classic approach—just add a pinch more Italian seasoning for flavor.
How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Simply replace the ground beef and sausage with your favorite vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted eggplant work wonderfully. You could also add a layer of sautéed spinach into the ricotta mix for extra color and nutrition.
Is it possible to halve the recipe?
Certainly! Just use a smaller baking dish (an 8×8-inch pan works well) and split all the ingredients in half. Cooking and assembly times may be a touch shorter, but otherwise the process is just the same. Perfect for smaller gatherings or cozy dinners for two!
How do I prevent my lasagna layers from slipping apart?
The key is to let your lasagna rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows the cheeses and sauce to set, making slicing a breeze. Also, don’t skip the egg in the ricotta mixture—this helps bind everything together for those signature clean layers in The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, show-stopping meal, The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe is a classic you’ll come back to again and again. There’s nothing quite like serving up a pan of homemade lasagna, watching loved ones gather around, and hearing the happy sighs after that very first bite. Give it a try, share it with someone special, and let this recipe become part of your kitchen traditions!
Print
The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious layered lasagna recipe. Packed with flavorful meats, cheeses, and seasonings, it’s a classic dish that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente.
- Cook Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and Italian sausage. Add onion, garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
- Assemble: Layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and cheeses in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then remove foil and bake until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let lasagna sit before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use no-boil noodles, but adjust the sauce. Add spinach for extra nutrition. Lasagna freezes well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
