World’s Best Lasagna Recipe: The Internet’s Most Beloved Italian Classic

For over two decades, one recipe has reigned supreme in the world of online lasagna recipes. With more than 7 million views per year and thousands of glowing reviews, the aptly named ‘World’s Best Lasagna’ has earned its title through consistent praise from home cooks around the globe. This legendary recipe, originally submitted by John Chandler in 2001, has become a staple in countless households, offering the perfect balance of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Whether you’re preparing a special family dinner, impressing guests, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality lasagna with homemade warmth. Let’s dive into the details of creating this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

The Story Behind World’s Best Lasagna

Before we get to the recipe itself, it’s worth noting the touching history behind this internet sensation. John Chandler, affectionately known as ‘The Lasagna Guy,’ submitted this recipe to Allrecipes in 2001, never imagining it would become the site’s most beloved recipe. Sadly, John passed away unexpectedly in 2022 at the age of 53, but his culinary legacy continues to live on through millions of family dinners across the world.

What makes this recipe so special isn’t just its perfect flavor balance, but how it has connected people through food. Countless reviews mention making this lasagna for special occasions, family gatherings, and even as gifts for neighbors and friends in need. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s become a tradition for many families.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this world-famous lasagna lies in its quality ingredients and perfect proportions. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this classic dish:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• ¾ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture and Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

Before you begin cooking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:

• Dutch oven or large pot for the sauce
• Large pot for boiling noodles
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Colander for draining noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating the World’s Best Lasagna requires time and attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps carefully for lasagna perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and having them measured and ready to go. In a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is well browned, making sure to break it into crumbles as it cooks. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor for your lasagna. Be patient and ensure the meat is properly browned rather than just cooked through—this will add a deeper flavor to your sauce.

Once the meat is browned, it’s time to add the tomato components. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Next, add the seasonings: sugar, 2 tablespoons of the fresh parsley, dried basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and black pepper. The sugar might seem unusual in a savory sauce, but it’s essential for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for approximately 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. This long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and develop that rich, complex taste that makes this sauce exceptional. The sauce should reduce slightly and become intensely flavored.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the lasagna noodles. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well until they’re thoroughly combined. The egg helps bind the cheese mixture and gives it a light, fluffy texture when baked.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare for Assembly

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This is the ideal temperature for baking lasagna—hot enough to cook everything through and create those desirable crispy edges, but not so hot that the cheese burns before the middle is heated.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Assembly is where the magic happens. Start by spreading 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This bottom layer of sauce prevents the noodles from sticking to the dish and starts building the flavor from the ground up.

Next, arrange six lasagna noodles lengthwise over the meat sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary to cover the entire surface. The noodles will expand as the lasagna bakes, so don’t worry if they don’t quite reach the edges.

Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. The ricotta provides a creamy layer, while the mozzarella will create that iconic melty, stretchy texture.

Spoon another 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella, and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a sharp, salty note that complements the other cheeses perfectly.

Repeat the layers: remaining six noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, another 1 ½ cups of meat sauce, and another ¼ cup of Parmesan. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and any remaining sauce. This layering method ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the top of the lasagna (the cheese can stick to it). The foil helps trap moisture and heat, allowing the lasagna to cook evenly without drying out.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. This two-stage baking process ensures that the lasagna is heated through while also creating that desirable browned, slightly crispy top layer.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial—it allows the layers to set and makes the lasagna easier to cut into neat portions. It also allows the flavors to settle and intensify.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna

To ensure your World’s Best Lasagna truly lives up to its name, consider these expert tips:

Sauce Consistency

The meat sauce should be thick rather than watery. If your sauce seems too thin after simmering, continue cooking uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken it. A properly reduced sauce will cling to the pasta rather than pooling at the bottom of the dish.

Make-Ahead Options

This lasagna actually improves with a little time. You can prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate it unbaked, and then bake it when needed. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Alternatively, you can make the sauce up to three days in advance, which allows the flavors to develop even more deeply.

Cheese Selection

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan and sliced mozzarella provide better flavor and melting qualities. For the mozzarella, consider using the low-moisture variety, which melts beautifully without making your lasagna watery.

Noodle Alternatives

If you prefer, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Just be aware that you may need to add a bit more liquid to your sauce, as these noodles absorb more moisture during baking. You can also make the lasagna with fresh pasta sheets for an extra-special touch.

Serving Suggestions

This rich, hearty lasagna is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. Consider serving it with:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese

Storage and Reheating

One of the beauties of this recipe is that it makes excellent leftovers—many reviewers even claim it tastes better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat your lasagna:

• Refrigeration: Cover leftover lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated lasagna, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen lasagna, you can bake it from frozen (adding about 30-45 minutes to the baking time) or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna without meat?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms to the sauce. You might want to add extra seasonings to compensate for the flavor the meat provides.

Why does this recipe use both Italian sausage and ground beef?

The combination of meats creates a more complex flavor profile. The Italian sausage brings herbs and spices, while the ground beef provides a classic meaty foundation. Together, they create a more interesting and flavorful sauce than either would alone.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta if preferred. For a texture closer to ricotta, blend the cottage cheese briefly before using. Some cooks actually prefer cottage cheese for its lighter texture and tangier flavor.

Why does the recipe call for sugar in the sauce?

The small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more rounded flavor profile. If you prefer to avoid refined sugar, you can omit it or substitute with a touch of honey or grated carrot, which adds natural sweetness.

How can I tell when my lasagna is done baking?

Your lasagna is done when the edges are bubbling, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

The World’s Best Lasagna has earned its place as an internet classic through its perfect balance of flavors, straightforward preparation, and consistently delicious results. Though it requires some time and effort, the outcome is a show-stopping dish that will have everyone asking for seconds—and for your recipe. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving comfort food at its finest, this lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household just as it has for millions of others around the world.