Lasagna is already the king of comfort food, but this recipe takes it to the next level with a rich beef ragù, creamy ricotta, silky béchamel, and a few creative tweaks to elevate the flavor.
Imagine all the classic layers you love, but with hints of umami and warmth that will have everyone asking for your secret. It’s indulgent, hearty, and downright unforgettable—this truly earns the title of World’s Best Lasagna!
Ingredients
Check out the ingredients lists below carefully as there are a couple of ingredients in there that you might not have thought you’d need to make lasagna – but you’ll want them!
For the beef ragù:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
For the béchamel sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
For the ricotta mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
For assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
You don’t get the world’s greatest lasagna without a bit of effort. It’s not as complicated as you might think, however:
- Prepare the Beef Ragù:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and pork, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add the crushed tomatoes, soy sauce, cinnamon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps. Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes), then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Cook the Noodles:
Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. - Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of ragù at the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, a drizzle of béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of béchamel and mozzarella on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese to finish.
- Bake:
Cover the dish with foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tweaks and Additions
Although this is already the greatest lasagna recipe you’ll ever follow, there are a few things you can add/tweak to make this a little different (but still amazing):
- Add a hint of sweetness:
Toss a teaspoon of honey into the ragù if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce. - Swap the wine:
Use white wine instead of red for a lighter flavor. - Herby layers:
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley between the layers for a fresh, aromatic kick. - Cheese upgrade:
Replace some of the mozzarella with smoked mozzarella for an extra depth of flavor. - Meat-free option:
Replace the beef and pork with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
This lasagna is truly a masterpiece—comforting, bold, and full of love. The beef ragù, with its hint of cinnamon and soy sauce, adds layers of depth that make this dish unforgettable.
Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or saving it for yourself (hello, leftovers!), every bite will remind you why lasagna is such a timeless favorite.
Roll up your sleeves, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to savor the world’s best lasagna!