The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Get ready to experience The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe, a true celebration of Italian-American comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a special gathering. Succulent layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta blend, melty mozzarella, and perfectly tender noodles all bake together for that unforgettable “forkful of everything” bite—what lasagna dreams are made of! Whether you’re feeding the family or friends, this recipe’s hearty flavors and gorgeous golden top will have everyone reaching for seconds. Let’s create your new favorite lasagna, one delicious layer at a time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe shine is a handful of simple, honest ingredients that come together into something magical. Each component brings an essential flavor or texture—nothing fussy, just a collection of pantry staples and a few fresh touches that guarantee mouthwatering results.
- Lasagna noodles (12): Classic pasta sheets that hold everything together—cook them just to al dente so your lasagna is never mushy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps your meats and onion cook up golden and fragrant.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty substance and a juicy base for your meaty tomato sauce.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1/2 lb): Brings a spicy, savory kick that takes the sauce from simple to spectacular.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): With its sweet aroma, it melds right into the sauce and adds depth.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses every bite with irresistible, bold flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The foundation of a rich, velvety tomato sauce.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Packs a concentrated tomato punch and thickens your sauce to perfection.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Rounds out the flavor and lends a lovely sauciness to every forkful.
- Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup) or dried (1 tablespoon): Adds that irresistible pop of herby freshness—don’t skip!
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): The essence of classic Italian seasoning in one pinch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances every element and brings out all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle background warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle spicy tingle—only if you like a touch of heat.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy, dreamy filling that contrasts the robust sauce perfectly.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ricotta filling for a fluffier, more stable layer.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup for filling; extra for topping): Nutty, salty, and totally irresistible when baked until golden.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Adds a burst of freshness to the cheese mixture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): The key to gooey, melty, stringy lasagna layers—pile it high!
How to Make The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente—2 minutes less than the package suggests. This keeps them from getting too soft while baking. Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel (not stacked!) so they don’t stick or tear while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and toss in the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is beautifully browned, using your spatula to crumble the meat into small pieces. When the onion is translucent and the kitchen smells incredible, stir in minced garlic and sauté for just a minute. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then—your sauce should be thick, rich, and brimming with Italian flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
While your sauce is bubbling away, grab a medium bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and salt. Stir until smooth. This fluffy, cheesy mixture will create that signature creamy layer we all crave in The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe.
Step 4: Build the Layers!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and gives your first noodles some saucy cushion. Lay 3 to 4 noodles across, just slightly overlapping. Dollop a third of the ricotta mixture and spread it out, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat those layers twice more, until all the ricotta is used. Finish with the last of the meat sauce and a shower of mozzarella and extra Parmesan over the top. You’ll end up with glorious, flavor-packed layers.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Spray a sheet of foil with nonstick spray (to protect that cheesy top!) and cover your lasagna. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and let it continue baking another 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let your masterpiece rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this helps the layers set, so every slice holds together beautifully!
How to Serve The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your casserole just before serving with a scatter of fresh basil ribbons, more chopped parsley, or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. These final touches not only amp up the flavor, but also make the dish look positively inviting and irresistible.
Side Dishes
The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe scarcely needs anything but a hungry crowd, but I love pairing it with a fresh green salad (try arugula or baby spinach with a tangy vinaigrette) and a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or garlicky green beans are a wonderful, colorful addition, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a little flair, consider serving lasagna as individual portions in mini casserole dishes, or cut it into neat squares and stack them artfully on plates with a sprinkle of herbs. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little pesto or balsamic glaze in a zig-zag on the plate for restaurant vibes at home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers—refrigeration even seems to make the flavors deepen and meld together!
Freezing
Lasagna is a champion freezer meal. You can assemble the entire lasagna, wrap it tightly, and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Or freeze individual cooked slices, layered between parchment paper, for future quick dinners. Always label with the date for best flavor!
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot all the way through (about 20–30 minutes). Individual slices can be microwaved, but oven reheating preserves that coveted cheesy top. If reheating from frozen, let thaw overnight in the fridge first for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles make prep even faster. Just be sure to use plenty of sauce between layers to help them soften during baking, and add an extra splash of water around the edges if needed.
Can I swap out the meat for a vegetarian version?
Totally! The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe adapts beautifully. Replace the ground beef and sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils. Choose your favorite plant-based protein, or just pack in extra veggies for a satisfying alternative.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free lasagna noodles at most grocery stores, and make sure your tomato products are labeled gluten-free (most are). The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same—enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Why does my lasagna sometimes turn out runny?
That’s often due to excess moisture from the sauce or not letting it rest after baking. Simmer your meat sauce until it’s thick and jammy, and be patient about the 10-15 minute resting time after the oven—it really does help those signature layers stay put!
Can I assemble The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, and in fact it may taste even better! Assemble the entire lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time since you’ll be starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes say “welcome home” quite like The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe. With its comforting layers and bold Italian flavors, it’s the kind of meal that becomes a tradition, whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a potluck centerpiece. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the wonderful, mouthwatering aroma—you may just discover your new signature dish!
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The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Layered Lasagna recipe. Tender lasagna noodles are layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey mozzarella for a classic Italian-American favorite that is sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Meat Sauce:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Layering:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain and lay flat on a clean towel.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Add tomatoes, paste, sauce, herbs, and spices. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat oven. Spread meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover and bake until golden. Let rest before slicing.
Notes
- Lasagna is even better made a day ahead—just assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
