We love lasagna for its comforting layers of tender pasta and gooey cheese that satisfy any appetite. It’s rumored to have originated in Italy where families pass it down through generations.
We’ve refined our recipe with fresh herbs savory meat sauce and a hint of modern flair. It’s designed to impress dinner guests but it’s easy enough for a casual weeknight meal. Get ready to enjoy the best damn lasagna on Earth.
We coax bold flavors from each layer so every bite bursts with comforting taste. Our goal is to keep your kitchen lively as you serve up this timeless favorite.
The Best Damn Lasagna On Earth Recipe
We start by assembling all essential items in our workspace to keep the process smooth. We preheat the oven to 375°F. We warm a large skillet on medium-high heat. We drizzle a small amount of olive oil and add diced onion and minced garlic. We sauté them until they become fragrant. We then stir in our ground beef and ground Italian sausage. We cook until the meat is browned. We drain any excess fat. We add our tomato sauce plus diced tomatoes and dried oregano. We stir everything well. We lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently.
We prepare a separate bowl with ricotta cheese. We fold in finely chopped fresh basil and a light sprinkle of salt. We stir until the mixture is smooth. We gather shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. We keep them close by for easy layering. We use a standard 9×13 baking dish. We spoon a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. We place a layer of lasagna noodles in a slightly overlapping pattern. We spread some ricotta mixture on top. We scatter shredded mozzarella. We lightly press to even out the layer. We repeat these steps until we finish the noodles and sauce. We top the final layer with extra mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden crust.
Below is our recommended layering order:
| Layer Number | Component | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meat Sauce | Spread evenly |
| 2 | Lasagna Noodles | Overlap edges to prevent slipping |
| 3 | Ricotta Mix | Add fresh herbs for more vibrant flavor |
| 4 | Shredded Cheese | Press gently for an even distribution |
| 5 | Repeat Layers | Top with extra cheese for bubbly texture |
We cover the dish with foil. We place it in the oven for 25 minutes. We then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese turns golden. We let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. We slice into generous portions. We enjoy that perfectly layered bite full of gooey cheese and savory sauce.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity & Prep |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound browned |
| Italian sausage | 1 pound browned |
| Onion | 1 large diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves minced |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 ounces) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 ounces) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh basil | 2 tablespoons chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ricotta cheese | 16 ounces |
| Egg | 1 large beaten |
| Mozzarella cheese | 3 cups shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup grated |
| Lasagna noodles | 12 noodles uncooked |
Equipment And Tools
We rely on a few key items to prepare The Best Damn Lasagna On Earth. Let us keep each piece handy so we can streamline our cooking process and maintain smooth transitions between each layer.
Below is a quick reference table that highlights the essential tools:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 baking dish | Holds our pasta layers and helps us achieve evenly cooked lasagna |
| Large skillet | Allows us to brown ground beef and Italian sausage and simmer the tomato sauce |
| Measuring cups | Ensures precise amounts of tomatoes sauce cheese and other ingredients |
| Measuring spoons | Provides accurate seasoning for salt pepper and herbs |
| Mixing bowl | Combines ricotta mixture and preps ingredients prior to layering |
| Wooden spoon | Stirs sauce and allows easy sautéing without damaging our cookware |
| Cutting board | Protects surfaces and assists in safely dicing the onions and garlic |
| Sharp knife | Minces and slices onions garlic and fresh herbs |
| Aluminum foil | Helps retain moisture during baking and prevents over-browning of the cheese |
We find these tools helpful for tackling each step of the recipe. We use the 9×13 baking dish for layering noodles sauce ricotta and cheese. We rely on the large skillet for browning meats and sautéing onions. The wooden spoon is handy for blending the sauce evenly and preventing scorching. We keep a mixing bowl ready for our ricotta mixture and fresh herbs. Our cutting board and sharp knife help us pull everything together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Directions
These steps guide us through each layer of “The Best Damn Lasagna On Earth”. We follow them in order for consistent results.
Prepare The Sauce
We warm a large skillet over medium heat. We sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. We stir in ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. We add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, and fresh basil. We stir gently and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
| Sauce Preparation Steps | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Sauté onion and garlic | 3 to 4 |
| Brown beef and sausage | 5 |
| Simmer combined sauce over low heat | 20 |
Boil The Lasagna Noodles
We fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. We add uncooked lasagna noodles and a pinch of salt. We boil them until they are just slightly softened. We drain and rinse the noodles under cool water to prevent sticking. We set them aside.
| Noodle Boiling Steps | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Boil noodles until slightly softened | 8 to 10 |
Ready The Cheese Mixture
We place ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl. We add a beaten egg plus salt and black pepper. We stir in chopped fresh basil for bright flavor. We blend everything until smooth. We keep this mixture nearby for easy layering.
Assembling The Lasagna
We have our flavorful sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture ready. Let us build The Best Damn Lasagna On Earth in simple layers that lock in bold taste.
Layer The Ingredients
Use a 9×13 baking dish. We smooth sauce, noodles, and cheese in neat levels so each serving delivers balanced flavor. Follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spread a thin layer of savory meat sauce on the bottom of the dish |
| 2 | Place a layer of lasagna noodles side by side |
| 3 | Spoon half of the ricotta mixture across the noodles and smooth it evenly |
| 4 | Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese to cover the ricotta layer |
| 5 | Repeat noodles, sauce, and cheeses until the dish is nearly full |
We press gently on the layers to remove air pockets. We aim for even coverage in every corner.
Top And Season
Finish with a generous spread of meat sauce on the topmost noodle layer. We add a final layer of shredded mozzarella. Then we sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil leaves to bring fragrant notes. We cover with foil and get ready to bake.
Baking And Resting
We are ready to finish our lasagna in the oven. Let us keep an eye on the temperature and resting time to maintain juicy layers.
Oven Temperature And Timing
Set the oven to 375°F. Place our assembled The Best Damn Lasagna On Earth on the middle rack. Cover with foil to help the cheese melt evenly. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes to achieve a golden top.
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Baking | 375°F | 25 minutes |
| Uncovered Baking | 375°F | 10 minutes |
| Recommended Resting Time | Room Temp | 10 minutes |
Letting It Rest
Remove the lasagna from the oven and place it on a trivet or heat-safe surface. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the layers firm up for easy slicing and ensures every bite is warm and tender.
Serving And Storage Tips
Our Best Damn Lasagna On Earth maintains its rich layers best when sliced after a brief rest. We wait about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest time allows the ingredients to settle so our slices stay firm and each layer remains intact.
- We cut generous portions to showcase the bold flavors.
- We garnish each slice with fresh basil for a bright finish.
- We pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
We recommend refrigerating and freezing leftovers properly to preserve the savory taste and hearty texture.
| Storage Method | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated in an airtight container | Up to 3 days |
| Frozen in sealed freezer-safe packaging | Up to 2 months |
We refrigerate leftover slices in separate containers for easy reheating. We place frozen portions inside tight freezer-safe packaging to lock in flavor. When we are ready to enjoy them again we thaw slices in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. We also microwave single slices for about 2 minutes on high power if we need a quick meal.
Conclusion
We love how this dish brings warmth to our table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends this lasagna always makes an impression. We’ll slice it up and watch everyone savor every bite.
We hope it brings as much joy to your home as it has to ours. There’s something truly satisfying about sharing this flavorful classic. Let’s keep cooking creating and celebrating each mouthwatering forkful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for this lasagna recipe?
You’ll need ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, black pepper, ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and uncooked lasagna noodles. These ingredients help create a robust meat sauce and a creamy cheese mixture that complement each other. Make sure you have fresh herbs on hand, such as basil, to brighten the flavors. Properly layering your ingredients will make every bite rich, cheesy, and delicious.
How do I make a flavorful sauce?
Start by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic, then brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, and fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens. This process builds depth and richness, creating a savory base. Combining fresh herbs with canned tomatoes and meats ensures a well-rounded taste. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference. The sauce should be aromatic and slightly sweet, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes for a hearty lasagna experience.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles first?
Yes, most traditional recipes call for briefly boiling the lasagna noodles until they are slightly softened. Cooking them first helps the noodles absorb the sauce and blend well with the other layers. However, some no-boil noodles are designed to cook in the oven, which saves time and reduces steps. If you opt for no-boil noodles, ensure there’s enough sauce to cover them so they cook properly. Follow package instructions to guarantee perfectly tender layers in your final dish.
How do I layer my lasagna properly?
Start with a layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish, then place a layer of noodles over it. Spread a blend of ricotta, egg, fresh basil, salt, and pepper, followed by shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers, ensuring each spread is evenly distributed for balanced flavor. End with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Proper layering keeps each bite packed with flavor and helps the lasagna hold its shape when served.
How long should I bake the lasagna?
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the lasagna dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown and the top to become golden. This timing helps the noodles soften and the layers meld together. Once you take the lasagna out, let it rest for around 10 minutes before slicing. The brief rest time ensures the layers stay intact and makes serving easier.
Can I adjust the recipe for different diets?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of meat. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could swap out some or all of the cheese with lower-fat options. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The key is to maintain flavorful layers. Simply keep the structure and techniques the same, while swapping ingredients to suit your dietary needs without compromising on taste.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to two months. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, place lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices until warmed through. Covering it loosely with foil during reheating helps keep in moisture. Let it rest briefly before serving to retain its layered texture and delicious flavor.