Name: The Best Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

Why You’ll Love The Best LasagnaRecipe

This lasagna is packed with flavor from seasoned meat and herbs, balanced with creamy cheese layers. It’s comforting, filling, perfect for family dinners, and can be made ahead of time or frozen for later. The combination of lean ground beef, savory sausage, and three types of cheese delivers a classic lasagna you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lean ground beef
Breakfast sausage or ground Italian sausage
Garlic, minced
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Dried parsley
Dried basil
Kosher salt
Low‑fat cottage cheese
Eggs, beaten
Grated parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Lasagna noodles
Sliced mozzarella cheese

Directions

Brown the ground beef, sausage, and garlic in a large skillet over medium‑high heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried parsley, basil, and salt to the meat. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 45 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated parmesan, parsley, and salt; stir well and set aside.
Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling salted water with a bit of olive oil until al dente, then drain.
Assemble the lasagna: begin with a layer of noodles in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then layer with mozzarella and about one‑third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers — noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, sauce — then top with a final layer of noodles and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate to bake within two days, adjusting baking time as needed if chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
Mix in fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a fresher flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in short intervals.
Freeze whole portions or individual slices up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of cheese should I use in lasagna?

Classic lasagna includes mozzarella, parmesan, and a ricotta or cottage cheese layer for creaminess.

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes — you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

How do I prevent lasagna from getting watery?

Don’t overcook the noodles and drain the cooked noodles well; also simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.

Can I use no‑boil noodles?

Yes — if using no‑boil noodles, you may need to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook properly.

How long should lasagna rest after baking?

Let lasagna rest for about 10–15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.

Can I freeze lasagna after baking?

Yes — wrap cooled lasagna well and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best meat for lasagna?

A mix of lean ground beef and sausage gives the best flavor, but you can use turkey or pork too.

Do I need to boil lasagna noodles first?

For traditional noodles, yes. If using oven‑ready noodles, you can skip boiling.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.

What side dishes go well with lasagna?

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This lasagna recipe delivers a classic, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight meals. With rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite you make again and again.