The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe

This Lasagna recipe is a true Italian-American comfort food classic! Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling are baked to bubbly perfection, creating a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family gathering, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors: This lasagna captures the essence of traditional Italian-American lasagna with its rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling.
• Satisfying and comforting: It’s a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
• Easy to assemble: While it takes a bit of time, the steps are straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Crowd-pleaser: This recipe makes a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.

this Recipe

Ingredients for The BEST Layered Lasagna

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic lasagna that will impress your family and friends. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lasagna Sauce:

• Ground Italian Pork Sausage: Use a mildly spicy or spicy Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that add depth and flavor to the meat sauce.
• Dried Parsley and Basil: Herbs that add a classic Italian flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Create a rich and flavorful tomato base.

For the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

• Ricotta Cheese: The base of the creamy cheese filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the filling.
• Dried Parsley and Oregano: Herbs that add flavor to the filling.

Additional Lasagna Ingredients:

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, cheesy layer between the pasta and on top.
• Lasagna Noodles: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make The BEST Layered Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage with the sliced onion and garlic. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent. Add the dried parsley, dried basil, sugar, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread with 2/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1 cup of meat sauce and 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times. For the final layer, top with the remaining 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil, making sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to settle and the sauce to thicken.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Simmer the sauce: Don’t skip the simmering stage of the meat sauce, as it helps deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce.
• Sausage: Use mildly spicy or spicy Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Noodles: Make sure the noodles are completely covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking.
• Resting time: Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold its shape and prevents it from being too runny.

How to Serve The BEST Layered Lasagna

• Family dinner: This lasagna is perfect for a hearty and satisfying family dinner.
• Special occasion: It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire lasagna in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just follow the package directions for layering and baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

My lasagna is watery, what did I do wrong?
If your lasagna is watery, it could be that your ricotta cheese was too watery or that you didn’t cook the meat sauce long enough to reduce the liquid. You can try draining the ricotta cheese before using it or simmering the meat sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for The BEST Layered Lasagna. I hope you enjoy it!

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