Best Italian Lasagna Ever

Dive into the rich, authentic flavors of the "Best Italian Lasagna Ever," a true classic that brings the heart of Italian cuisine to your table. This mouthwatering lasagna features tender layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, a robust meat sauce made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of aromatic spices, and a creamy, homemade béchamel sauce that adds a luxurious touch. The ricotta-Parmesan blend, along with gooey layers of melted mozzarella, creates the ultimate cheesy, indulgent bite. With its golden-browned top and comforting aroma, this lasagna is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave the warmth of a home-cooked Italian masterpiece. Ready in just over an hour, this eight-serving recipe is worth every step for lasagna lovers looking to elevate their pasta game.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 sheets lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 0.125 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6

To prepare the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.

Step 8

In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan until smooth.

Step 9

To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.

Step 10

Top the noodles with a layer of meat sauce, a layer of ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Drizzle a thin layer of béchamel sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and a sprinkle of remaining Parmesan on top.

Step 12

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 13

Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4293.5 grams (4293.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8075

Total Fat 402.80g	516%
Saturated Fat 201.20g	1006%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.00g
Cholesterol 1529mg	510%
Sodium 11548mg	502%
Total Carbohydrate 683.70g	249%
Dietary Fiber 48.00g	171%
Total Sugars 135.00g
Protein 449.40g	899%

Vitamin D 467IU	2333%
Calcium 7375mg	567%
Iron 49mg	272%
Potassium 8783mg	187%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 33.5%