The recipe for best lasagna: Why the Italian staple is the ultimate comfort food in times of need

Lasagna is a unique dish that represents so much more than “just food” for many.

Lasagna is best made in two days for many reasons. At 6 a.m., however, Phase 2 requires the additional ingredient of coffee. (Amy Drew Thompson/Orlando Sentinel)

To be honest, people don’t ask that often. Lasagna isn’t brain surgery, but it takes time. Most people don’t actually want to make it. They want you to make it for them.

If you’re game, though, this is the recipe not so much to beat, but to make into your own. It’s one of the things its author, John Chandler, loved most about sharing what became one of Allrecipes’ top-performing recipes of all time.

Making lasagna is a delightful process that involves layering pasta, cheese, meat, and sauce to create a hearty and comforting dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic lasagna:

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 ounces (450g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups (1 pound) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, to prevent noodles from sticking)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • First Layer: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Second Layer: Place 3 to 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
   • Third Layer: Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Fourth Layer: Add another layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese.
   • Repeat: Continue layering with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil (tenting it slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
3. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Serve: Slice the lasagna into portions and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

• Make Ahead: Lasagna can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if it’s cold or frozen.
• Customize: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies.
• Let it Rest: Always let the lasagna rest before slicing to ensure clean layers.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!