THE Best Lasagna EVER

This is THE Best Lasagna EVER! With layers of rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a bubbly cheese topping, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion where comfort food is key. This lasagna stands out because it balances flavor and texture beautifully, ensuring every bite is satisfying. Get ready to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table with this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of ground beef and chicken sausage creates a rich meat sauce that is full of flavor.
• Creamy Texture: The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives a delightful creaminess that complements the sauce perfectly.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, this lasagna is accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick weeknight dinners.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serving 12 generous portions makes it ideal for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make THE Best Lasagna EVER, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help simplify the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large dutch oven: Perfect for cooking the meat sauce evenly without splattering.
• Baking dish: A deep baking dish ensures you have enough space for all the delicious layers.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.

Ingredients

This Lasagna is the best I’ve ever had! Layers of a thick and meaty sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a cheesy topping. I guarantee this will be your new favourite go-to recipe for the holidays!

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz soft mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 4 cups (2 lb.) Whole milk ricotta cheese
• 8 oz. soft mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces (I used Bocconcini)
• 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 pound chicken Chicken Chicken Italian sausage, removed from their casings (I used Hot chicken Chicken Chicken Italian sausage)
• 1 and 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 cups (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (16 ounce) tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers flakes (optional)

For the Noodles:

• 1 lb. lasagna noodles, uncooked

How to Make THE Best Lasagna EVER

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot:
* Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
* Cook until softened and slightly browned—about 5–6 minutes—stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Brown the Meats

Once the onions are cooked:
* Add the chicken sausage and ground beef.
* Cook until no longer pink while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Sauce

After browning:
* Drain any excess juices from the pot.
* Return to heat and stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce; add water to jars, shake well, then pour into pot.

Step 4: Season & Simmer Sauce

Add remaining ingredients:
* Include tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, pepper, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes.
* Stir thoroughly. Lower heat to simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. Skim fat if needed.

Step 5: Preheat Oven & Prepare Cheese Mixture

When sauce has finished cooking:
* Turn off heat; preheat oven to 375°F.
* In a mixing bowl, beat egg and yolk. Add ricotta cheese, mozzarella pieces, Parmesan; mix well with salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and parsley.

Step 6: Boil Noodles

In a large pot:
* Fill with water; add salt and olive oil.
* Bring to boil; cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.

Step 7: Assemble Lasagna

In a deep baking dish:
* Spread ¼ of meat sauce at bottom.
* Layer with ⅓ noodles followed by half of cheese filling. Repeat layers ending with remaining meat sauce on top. Finish with additional mozzarella pieces and shredded Parmesan.

Step 8: Bake

Cover loosely with aluminum foil (not touching cheese):
* Place on larger baking sheet for spills.
* Bake covered for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once baked:
* Remove from oven; allow setting for about 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve THE Best Lasagna EVER

Serving THE Best Lasagna EVER is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine tossed with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan provides a classic pairing.

Add Garlic Bread

• Traditional Garlic Bread: Sliced baguette spread with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown makes for irresistible bites.
• Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots baked with garlic butter and topped with mozzarella create a cheesy delight.

Include Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Roasted Veggies: A medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted to perfection adds color and nutrition.
• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled until tender offers a sophisticated touch.

How to Perfect THE Best Lasagna EVER

To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in THE Best Lasagna EVER, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses to enhance the flavors significantly.
• Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on the sauce or cheese layers; generous amounts ensure each bite is flavorful.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to set after baking helps maintain its shape when sliced and enhances flavors.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your taste; adding extra herbs can elevate the dish further.
• Cover Properly While Baking: Loosely covering the dish with foil prevents excessive browning while allowing it to cook evenly.
• Use a Deep Dish: A deep baking dish allows for more layers, making your lasagna heartier and more satisfying.

Best Side Dishes for THE Best Lasagna EVER

When serving THE Best Lasagna EVER, selecting the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the rich flavors of lasagna.

1. Caprese Salad: A refreshing salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
2. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and cured meats for a savory start.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your lasagna.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil offers a crunchy contrast.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli seasoned with lemon juice for a bright and healthy side option.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, or ground meat create hearty additions to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making THE Best Lasagna EVER, it’s easy to overlook some small details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the sauce simmering: Not allowing the sauce to simmer long enough can lead to a watery lasagna. Let it cook for at least 1.5 hours to enhance flavors.
• Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the noodles too long before assembling can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely and consider undercooking slightly since they’ll cook more in the oven.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into lasagna immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing for clean pieces.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your sauce as it cooks is essential. If you skip this step, your lasagna may end up bland. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.
• Using low-quality cheese: Opting for lower-quality cheeses might save money but affects flavor and texture. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for the best results.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
• Ensure the lasagna has cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing THE Best Lasagna EVER

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or use a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating THE Best Lasagna EVER

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes THE Best Lasagna EVER different?

The combination of layers with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melty mozzarella creates an unforgettable flavor profile that stands out from typical lasagnas.

Can I customize THE Best Lasagna EVER?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or use different types of meat to suit your taste.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure to let your sauce simmer adequately and drain any excess liquid from cooked vegetables before layering them into the dish.

Is it okay to prepare THE Best Lasagna EVER ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

THE Best Lasagna EVER is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can customize ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it at family gatherings or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate—try making this delightful dish today!

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