# The Best Lasagna Ever

Ree Drummond’s lasagna recipe features ground beef, sausage, canned tomatoes, and pantry staples. It's perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

- Servings: 12 servings
- Total time: 60 min
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1.5 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. hot breakfast sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans whole tomatoes
- 2 (6-oz.) cans tomato paste
- 4 Tbsp. dried parsley, divided
- 2 Tbsp. dried basil
- 2.5 tsp. salt
- 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 0.5 cup grated (not shredded) parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 (1o-oz.) package lasagna noodles
- 1 lb. sliced mozzarella cheese

## Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic.
3. Cook over medium-high heat until browned.
4. Drain half the fat from the meat mixture.
5. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil and 1 teaspoon salt to the meat mixture.
6. Simmer the sauce mixture for 45 minutes while working on other steps.
7. In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 more tablespoons parsley, and 1 more teaspoon salt.
8. Stir the cottage cheese mixture together well and set aside.
9. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the olive oil to the boiling water.
10. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente (not overly cooked).
11. Drain the cooked noodles, rinse with cool water, and lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil.
12. To assemble: Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary.
13. Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles and spread evenly.
14. Cover the cottage cheese mixture with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
15. Spoon a little less than half the meat/sauce mixture over the top.
16. Repeat the layering process: another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, another 1/2 pound of mozzarella, and the rest of the meat mixture.
17. Sprinkle the top generously with extra Parmesan.
18. Either freeze, refrigerate for up to 2 days, or bake immediately.
19. Bake in a 350°F oven until the top is hot and bubbly, 20 to 30 minutes.

## Equipment

- large pot
- large skillet or saucepan
- medium bowl
- baking pan
- aluminum foil

## Tips

- The best lasagna combines a mix of creamy and melty cheeses for the perfect texture and flavor.
- Begin by spreading a layer of noodles across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, add the creamy cottage cheese mixture, followed by slices of mozzarella and a generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers once more, then finish with a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking.
- After assembling the lasagna, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. When you’re ready to bake the lasagna, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it warms slightly, then bake according to the recipe directions.
- Wrap the unbaked lasagna securely in foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the lasagna thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual—adding a few extra minutes if needed—until it's piping hot and bubbly.
- For a quick reheating option, microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm. For a larger amount, cover the baking dish with foil and place it in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated all the way through and the cheese is melty again.
- If spicy flavors aren’t for you, swap in mild breakfast sausage, or try using Italian sausage for a hint of herbs. You can also skip the sausage entirely and use an extra pound of ground beef.
- Crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes work just as well as whole tomatoes—they’ll break down nicely into the sauce and still deliver that deep tomato flavor.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11728/best-lasagna-recipe/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/4ab6c82a-fa82-462a-8231-102d095f0128
- Extracted: 2026-05-10

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt