Recipe for the Best Lasagna: Step-by-step Instructions

World’s Best Lasagna

This lasagna recipe takes a little work, but it is so satisfying and filling that it’s worth it!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Additional Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12

Calories 448 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• ¾ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 6.5 ounce cans canned tomato sauce
• 2 6 ounce cans tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¾ pound mozzarella cheese sliced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Gather all your ingredients.
• Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until well browned.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
• Rest lasagna for 15 minutes before serving.

The Ultimate Authentic Italian Lasagna Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide 🍝

Master authentic Italian lasagna with our step-by-step guide. Discover how to make the perfect recipe for a lasagna with the ideal meat sauce and béchamel in under 1.5 hours!

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a perfectly layered, authentic Italian lasagna. Today, I’ll guide you through crafting this classic recipe for a lasagna. It features a rich meat sauce (ragù).

You’ll also make a creamy béchamel and perfectly cooked pasta layers. This recipe stays true to traditional Northern Italian techniques while being accessible for home cooks.

Key Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients 🛒

For the Ragù (Meat Sauce):

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 package lasagna noodles (preferably fresh)
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 2 cups whole milk mozzarella, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions 📝

1. Prepare the Ragù:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced onions, carrots, and celery (known as soffritto).
• Cook until vegetables are soft (8-10 minutes).
• Add ground beef and sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Brown the meat thoroughly (10-12 minutes).
• Pour in the wine and simmer until reduced.
• Stir in tomatoes, bay leaves, and seasonings.
• Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally for the best flavor.

2. Make the Béchamel:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour to create a roux.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden.
• Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly.
• Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Cook until thickened (5-7 minutes).

3. Assembly:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of ragù in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
• Layer lasagna noodles, then add ragù, béchamel, and cheese.
• Repeat layers (3-4 times).
• Top with remaining béchamel and cheese.

4. Baking:

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes until golden.
• Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips 🌟

• Always let the lasagna rest before cutting for better slices.
• Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking.
• Don’t oversaturate layers with sauce to keep structure.
• Make the ragù a day ahead for deeper flavor.

Wine Pairing 🍷

Pair this lasagna with a medium to full-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti Classico or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

Storage 🧊

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Variations of the Recipe

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute ground meat with grilled vegetables or mushrooms.
• White Lasagna: Use only béchamel and vegetables without tomato sauce.
• Spicy Lasagna: Incorporate chili flakes into the ragù for an extra kick.

FAQ 🤔

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, but ensure the sauce is sufficiently moist to cook the noodles.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered in foil until heated through.

Q: How can I freeze lasagna?
A: Assemble it in a foil baking dish, cool, and cover well before freezing.

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• Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe
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