Our Most Popular Recipe from 2024 (By Far!)
I’m often asked by friends looking for dinner inspiration about my favorite recipes or the really good ones I’ve cooked recently. Despite how much I cook, I often have a tough time coming up with answers because it’s tough to narrow down my favorites. But not this year. In 2024, it’s safe to say that I’ve cooked close to 325 dinners and my classic lasagna recipe is far and away the best thing I’ve cooked all year.
This lasagna is saucy and creamy in a way that feels special and incredibly comforting (it’s all thanks to the meaty Bolognese, creamy bechamel sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles). It tastes luxurious, yet isn’t so rich or heavy that a second piece is out of the question. I’ve already cooked this lasagna 10 times this year and have plans to make it two more times before the year is over.
Truth be told, it feels a little weird to tout my own recipe — but this is a recipe everyone needs to know about! Don’t just take my word for it; this lasagna was also our most popular recipe of 2024. Within hours of publishing, the comment section went wild with strong opinions about lasagna (buckle up and take a read!). The recipe has also gotten rave reviews, and here’s what some of the commenters (who actually cooked the recipe) had to say:
This is HANDS DOWN the BEST lasagna recipe EVER! The bechamel makes it insanely good! Restaurant quality. 10 out of 10 would recommend. This changed my whole attitude towards lasagna.
This was absolutely delicious. Very easy and without a lot of cheese just parm, it was not as heavy and very good and flavorful. Highly recommend.
The recipe is excellent.
This was delicious! Great recipe!
Get the recipe: The Most Delicious Lasagna of All Time
What Makes This Lasagna So Good
It uses béchamel instead of ricotta. Above all else, this creamy sauce makes the lasagna taste totally luxurious without feeling heavy. It also keeps the filling moist so it doesn’t dry out or get that crumbly texture that sometimes happens with ricotta.
Many of the components are make-ahead. There are a couple of opportunities to get a head start with this recipe. My favorite is making the Bolognese and béchamel sauces a day in advance, and then the next day, assembling and baking the lasagna. You can also fully assemble the lasagna a day before baking.
How to Make Lasagna
Make the Bolognese. Cook the Bolognese and let it simmer until slightly thickened and the flavors meld. Meanwhile, soak the noodles and make the béchamel.
Soak the noodles. Arrange dried lasagna noodles in a 9×13 baking dish and cover with very hot tap water. It’s helpful to move the noodles around occasionally and separate any stacked noodles so they don’t stick together. When ready, drain the noodles and dry the baking dish.
Make the béchamel. Simmer the béchamel just until thickened.
Assemble the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of Bolognese in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, Bolognese sauce, béchamel sauce, and grated Parmesan. Repeat for a second layer, then top with the remaining noodles, Bolognese, béchamel, and Parmesan.
Bake the lasagna and cool. Bake uncovered until the cheese is melty and the sauce is bubbly. Pop under the broiler for just a couple minutes if you want the cheese browned in spots (keep a close eye on it). Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Get the recipe: The Most Delicious Lasagna of All Time
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