With layers of cooked pasta noodles, a hearty spaghetti sauce, and an herbaceous layer of creamy ricotta, lasagna is the definition of comfort food. This Italian-American staple is just as satisfying on a chilly weekend with your family as it is a holiday dinner. Here, you'll find the best lasagna recipes, which range from classic iterations of the familiar comfort food to fun and creative twists that come together in under an hour.
First, start with Ree's Best Lasagna Ever. It's a recipe that's been passed down from generations between family members and friends. Her version has all of the classic ingredients, most of which you can probably find in your pantry and fridge. And the best part is you can fully assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to two days until you're ready to bake it.
You'll also have your pick of veggie-forward lasagna recipes. Some ditch the noodles altogether in favor of thinly shaved eggplant or zucchini, while others simply layer sautéed veggies with all of the usual ingredients. No matter which recipe you choose, grab a jar or two of your favorite sauce, a few boxes of lasagna noodles, a tub of creamy ricotta and start layering!
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The Best Lasagna Ever
Ralph Smith
When you're looking for a classic lasagna recipe that will please just about everyone, this is the recipe for you. It's made with a combination of ground beef and hot breakfast sausage for a protein-packed dinner.
When Ree wants to bring a vegetarian-friendly lasagna to the party, this is the recipe she makes. It features layers of lasagna noodles, sautéed garlicky spinach, a creamy bechamel sauce, and three kinds of cheese.
There's a nutritious secret tucked in between each layer of this lasagna. Rather than pasta noodles, it features thinly sliced zucchini, which is topped with tons of cheese and sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
If you're craving lasagna during the fall season, make this one! It features layers and layers of sage-infused, roasted butternut squash sauce and spicy Italian sausage, which tastes like the very best of autumn.
Two Italian-American staples team up for one epic lasagna. It's so much easier than breading and frying individual cutlets, though. Just layer some shredded rotisserie chicken between the noodles, sauce, and cheese for a protein-packed bite.
Craving lasagna but short on time? Ree's got you covered! This easy skillet recipe is made with layers of broken lasagna noodles, jarred marinara sauce, and a few types of creamy Italian cheeses.
This recipe has all of the comforts of lasagna but with layers and layers of creamy eggplant. Want to make it gluten-free? Just leave out the panko breadcrumbs.
Somewhere in between traditional lasagna and manicotti is this cozy pasta dish. To make them, you'll spread a ricotta-herb mixture on each cooked lasagna noodle, roll 'em up, and top them with sauce and more cheese before baking.
"This is one of my favorite vegetarian dinner recipes, but rest assured, meat lovers will adore it too," Ree says. It includes layers of creamy béchamel sauce, nutty pesto, artichoke hearts, and tons of cheese.
Kids and adults alike will adore this fun twist on lasagna. It's made in a pie dish, which means that everyone will get to enjoy some of those prized crispy edges.
Loaf Pan Lasagna with Butternut Squash and Sausage
Ralph Smith
This might just be the most fun presentation of lasagna ever! It features a creamy butternut squash sauce and sweet Italian sausage. And thanks to the use of no-boil noodles, there's no need to pre-cook them either.
There are so many ways to make a delicious, vegetarian-friendly lasagna—and this one is perfect for winter dining! With umami-rich mushrooms and dark leafy kale, it has plenty of might and nutrients.
Think of this as the Greek answer to a classic Italian-American lasagna. It has three distinct Mediterranean layers—an eggplant and potato layer, a hearty meat sauce, and a rich bechamel topping.
This hallmark of this fall recipe is the creamy pumpkin sauce, which is spread between each layer of pasta as an alternative to the usual red sauce. A duo of grated nutmeg and fresh sage amp up the autumnal flavors.
When you're craving lasagna in the middle of summer, this is the recipe to make. There's just about every kind of veggie in this meat-free lasagna including red bell peppers, mushrooms, squash, and tomatoes.
Lasagna roll ups is a fun twist on the classic—and something that even your little ones can help out with! Here, cooked lasagna noodles are layered with an herby ricotta mixture and thinly sliced roasted zucchini before they're rolled up and baked.
With shredded chicken, nourishing spinach, and a luxurious garlicky cream sauce, this chicken lasagna might make you forget all about the traditional red sauce version.
You'll get more than your daily dose of greens in this healthy lasagna, which features a super silky spinach sauce and plenty of ooey gooey melted cheese.