The World’s Greatest Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers around the globe. Known for its comforting layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Here’s a recipe for what many consider the world’s greatest lasagna—a dish that combines traditional flavors with a few secret ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 24 ounces Passata (or crushed tomatoes)
• 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (or vegetable for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the White Sauce (Béchamel):

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3½ cups milk
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For Assembly:

• 13 ounces fresh lasagna sheets (or regular dried noodles)
• 17 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, cooking for about 8–10 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Add the ground beef (and pork if using) to the pot. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spoon.
• Pour in the Passata and crushed tomatoes, then add the tomato paste, bouillon cubes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

1. Make the White Sauce:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2–3 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat.

1. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with lasagna sheets (trim if necessary).
• Add another layer of meat sauce (about 2 cups), followed by a layer of white sauce (about 1 cup) and half of the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat these layers: noodles, meat sauce, white sauce, and mozzarella.
• Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and white sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Success

• Layering: Ensure your last layers finish with pasta > meat sauce > white sauce > mozzarella cheese for that perfect cheesy top.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
• Freezing Instructions: This lasagna freezes well! Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

This lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your next family gathering or cozy night in!