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If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect lasagna that brings comfort, rich flavor, and that irresistible gooey cheese pull, you’re in for a treat. This is literally The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe—crafted with layers of savory Italian sausage, luscious ricotta blend, and a hearty tomato sauce that’s been simmered to perfection. Every bite offers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that showcases why lasagna remains a beloved classic in kitchens worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role, working together to create that perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant colors. These simple yet carefully chosen components bring depth and character to what truly makes The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe stand out.
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage: This adds rich, savory flavor and a juicy texture that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth as it cooks down alongside the sausage.
- 1 clove garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Gives a fragrant aroma and slight punch essential in Italian cooking.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note that lifts the sauce flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil: Infuses the tomato sauce with classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, more rounded taste.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, chunky base of the tomato sauce.
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds a velvety texture and deep red color to the sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds softness and tang to each layer.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Boosts umami and melts into the ricotta for extra cheesiness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley: Mixed into the ricotta blend to enhance herbal freshness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano: Elevates the Italian flavor with its earthy, slightly bitter notes.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (additional quantity needed): Melts beautifully, creating that signature stretchy, golden layer everyone loves.
- Lasagna noodles: Cooked until just tender, they form the sturdy yet tender layers to assemble the dish.
How to Make The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by browning the ground Italian pork sausage with the sliced onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat until all the flavors meld and the sausage is cooked through. Then, stir in dried parsley, basil, and sugar, followed by the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer covered for 45 minutes. This slow simmering allows the flavors to deepen and thicken into a rich, hearty sauce that forms the foundation of The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce is simmering, whisk together the creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan, dried parsley, and oregano in a bowl. This smooth blend will provide a wonderfully soft and flavorful layer that mellows the tomato’s acidity and adds a luxurious creaminess to every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente—tender but still with a bit of firmness to hold up during baking. Drain them carefully and lay them flat on parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. These noodles will give your lasagna structure and that irresistible layered appeal.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spread a cup of the flavorful sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, layer three noodles on top, then spread two-thirds of a cup of the ricotta mixture, followed by another cup of sauce, and sprinkle two-thirds of a cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process twice more, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed. Finally, top the lasagna with the remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a golden cheesy finish. The layers create that classic, melt-in-your-mouth effect that makes The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake the lasagna for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese melt until it’s bubbly and beautifully golden. This step elevates the flavor and gives the dish that inviting, crusty top everyone craves.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After baking, let your masterpiece rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly, making each serving neat and satisfying. Now you’re ready to enjoy every delicious bite of The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe!
How to Serve The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your lasagna plate visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of green that freshens the dish. For an extra touch of richness, a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese completes the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Lasagna is a hearty dish, so pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides works wonders. A simple mixed green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness with lively acidity. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread makes for perfect dipping companions, soaking up any leftover sauce and extending the meal’s comfort factor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions of The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This adds a charming, rustic feel and lets everyone enjoy their own perfectly layered portion with a bubbly, cheesy top. Another idea is to layer the lasagna in a glass dish or trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful, contrasting layers for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures that when you reheat it, the texture and flavor remain just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire lasagna or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, or place in airtight freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its signature taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes if thawed, or longer if still frozen. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium power to maintain moisture without drying out the layers.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Italian pork sausage with ground beef?
Absolutely! While Italian pork sausage gives extra seasoning and juiciness, ground beef works well if you prefer a milder taste or can’t find sausage. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to keep the flavors vibrant.
Do I need to boil the noodles before assembling?
In this recipe, yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they cook evenly and soften properly. However, some no-boil noodles exist that can be used directly with enough sauce moisture, but boiling is a safer bet for perfect texture every time.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Definitely! Just replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to keep the savory, hearty texture. You’ll still get that comforting layered flavor that makes The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe so beloved.
How important is the resting time after baking?
Resting your lasagna for about 15 minutes before cutting is key. It allows the cheese and sauce to firm slightly, preventing a messy slide and making serving neat slices much easier.
Can I prepare this recipe a day ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking as instructed. This is perfect for planning ahead for busy days or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough how rewarding it is to make and share The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe with friends and family. From its rich sauce to the creamy cheese layers and perfectly tender noodles, it’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again!
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The BEST Layered Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic layered lasagna recipe features a rich Italian pork sausage tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it yields 12 hearty servings with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and cheese that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles (approximately; quantity needed for layering)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground Italian pork sausage together with 1 sliced small yellow onion and 1 teaspoon minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Add 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley, and 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful cheese filling.
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and carefully lay them flat on parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking during assembly.
- Assemble lasagna: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread 2/3 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles followed by 1 cup of meat sauce and 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a top layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and the last of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the layers to set, which makes cutting and serving easier. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or high-quality dried lasagna noodles.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
- You can substitute ground beef or a poultry sausage if preferred instead of Italian pork sausage.
- Feel free to add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Covering with foil at first keeps the moisture in and prevents the cheese from burning.
