**Best Lasagna Recipe: Make the Ultimate Classic**

Best Lasagna Recipe: A World-Famous Classic

Looking for the best lasagna recipe to impress your family and friends? When John Chandler shared his lasagna recipe with Allrecipes over 20 years ago, he never anticipated its lasting impact. Nowadays, this dish—known as the World’s Best Lasagna—boasts over 7 million views each year and remains a staple in kitchens around the globe. Intrigued by its fame? Let’s dive into what makes this lasagna recipe truly special.

Perfect Side Dishes for the Best Lasagna Recipe

Wondering what sides to serve with your lasagna? Enhance your meal with our curated list of twelve easy side dishes, such as:

• Garlic bread
• Mixed green salad
• Caesar salad
• Bruschetta
• Roasted vegetables

Ingredients for the Ultimate Lasagna

This lasagna is well-loved by many due to its flexibility; you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences. For those who want to keep it classic, here’s the essential ingredient list:

• Meat: A combination of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef for maximum flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: One onion and two cloves of garlic add depth when sautéed with the meat.
• Tomato Products: Essential components include a can of crushed tomatoes, plus two cans each of tomato sauce and tomato paste.
• Sugar: Two tablespoons of white sugar enhance the sauce’s natural sweetness.
• Spices and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, salt, and black pepper contribute to the savory profile.
• Lasagna Noodles: Choose between store-bought or homemade options.
• Cheeses: A trio of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses makes the dish irresistible.
• Egg: One egg binds the ricotta, preventing it from spilling out during slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating this irresistible dish may seem daunting, but the process is straightforward. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Prepare the meat sauce.
2. Cook the noodles.
3. Mix the ricotta with an egg and seasonings.
4. Layer the components according to the instructions.
5. Cover and bake for optimal results.
6. Allow it to rest before serving.

Layering Techniques for a Perfect Dish

The key to success lies in the strategic layering. Follow this order for best results:

1. Start with the meat sauce.
2. Add a layer of noodles.
3. Spread the ricotta mixture on top.
4. Layer mozzarella slices.
5. Repeat the process ending with meat sauce and a generous topping of Parmesan.

Cooking Time for a Delicious Result

To achieve the perfect texture, cook your assembled dish in a preheated oven at 375°F for approximately 50 minutes. Cover it with foil for the first 25 minutes, then remove the foil for the final cook time. Remember, letting it rest for 15 minutes post-baking enhances the slicing experience!

Tips for Reheating

While you may opt to reheat in the microwave, for optimal taste and texture, use the oven. Simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing and Storing

Planning to freeze your dish? Cook it in a foil dish, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months without compromising flavor.