Dinner

World’s Best Lasagna Recipe

ByLila Prescott January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with layers of rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses. This World’s Best Lasagna recipe is easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, delivering a deliciously indulgent meal every time.

A close-up view of a thick slice of lasagna on a white plate, showing four visible layers of wide pasta sheets alternating with rich, chunky meat sauce that is deep reddish-brown with bits of ground meat. Between the meat layers, there is a creamy white cheese layer with a smooth texture. The top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese crust with small browned spots and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface with some scattered green herb bits around the lasagna. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef

1 pound Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and flavor melding.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes to develop rich flavors.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Repeat the layering process, ending with a topping of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set perfectly.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrition.

Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a milder, creamy alternative.
Prepare the sauce and noodles ahead of time to save assembly time later.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Storage

Let the lasagna cool to room temperature within two hours after cooking, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the lasagna for 2-3 months; thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven until warmed through and bubbly.

How to Serve

A thick piece of lasagna sits on a plain white plate, showing four clear layers of wide, flat pasta sheets with a golden edge. Between each layer, there is a rich, chunky meat sauce that is deep red and brown, full of ground meat and tomato. A creamy white cheese layer is spread thickly on top and between the pasta sheets, slightly melted and golden browned in some places. Small green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top and around the plate for a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the textures of the lasagna. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles can work well and save time. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce to keep the noodles moist during baking.

How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain excess fat after cooking the meat and avoid adding too much sauce at once. Also, letting the lasagna rest before serving helps the layers set and reduces excess liquid.