I absolutely love sharing The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe with friends because it’s a real crowd-pleaser that brings big, bold flavors to your dinner table. When I first tried it, the rich combination of savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta layers reminded me why lasagna is a timeless classic, but this Sicilian twist makes it truly unforgettable.
You’ll find that The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe works beautifully for family gatherings, special weekends, or anytime you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s approachable, layered with textures and flavors, and once you nail the method, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Authentic Flavor: Combining pork and beef with herbs creates the kind of sauce that reminds you of a Sicilian trattoria.
- Creamy Yet Hearty Layers: The ricotta and cheeses balance the robust meat sauce beautifully for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the day before and pop it in the oven when ready, making your life easier on busy days.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this lasagna – leftovers never last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe come together in a way that packs flavor without any fuss. Choosing quality meat and fresh cheeses really lifts the dish, and simple pantry herbs give it that classic Italian touch.
- Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and fat.
- Ground Pork: Adds a deeper, slightly sweet richness to the sauce.
- Onion: Chopped finely to melt into the sauce for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes – it makes all the difference.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness to the chunky crushed tomatoes.
- Dried Oregano: The classic herbal flavor that helps create that “Sicilian” vibe.
- Dried Basil: Complements oregano with a sweeter, aromatic touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce just right.
- Lasagna Noodles: Cook al dente to avoid sogginess later on.
- Ricotta Cheese: Provides creamy texture; fresh is best.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for gooey, melty layers.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps bind the ricotta layer.
- Eggs: Beaten into ricotta, they help it set nicely during baking.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Just a little for garnish and that fresh herbal pop.
Variations
I love how flexible The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe is – you can easily tweak it depending on your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve found that little changes can make it your very own signature dish.
- Vegetable Boost: I add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in some greens without losing the original heartiness.
- Cheese Swaps: Feel free to use part-skim ricotta or add provolone for a twist on the creamy layers.
- Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a nice gentle heat, perfect if you like a little bite.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check canned products to keep it safe and delicious.
How to Make The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef and pork in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. I like to drain the excess grease carefully to keep the sauce rich but not oily. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently until softened and fragrant—this base layer of flavor is essential for The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Don’t rush this step — letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes really helps all those flavors marry together beautifully. Stir occasionally and taste as you go; adjusting seasoning is key for that perfect sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles and Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, cook your lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. You don’t want them too soft or they’ll turn mushy when baked. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet or towel so they don’t stick.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and half a cup of the grated Parmesan cheese—this mixture gives the creamy layers structure without drying out during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce. Next, add a layer of noodles followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil for the first half of baking to keep everything moist.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. One of the things I learned about The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe is that letting it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing helps it hold together better and makes serving so much easier.
Pro Tips for Making The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe
- Drain the Meat Well: I found that removing excess fat after browning keeps the sauce rich but not greasy, letting your flavors shine.
- Simmer Sauce Low and Slow: Giving the sauce plenty of time to develop really makes it stand out from typical lasagna recipes.
- Lay Noodles Flat to Cool: This little step stops them from sticking and keeps texture perfect when layering.
- Rest Before Cutting: Resist the urge to slice right away—resting helps set the layers, so your lasagna slices cleanly every time.
How to Serve The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I always garnish with some fresh basil leaves when serving The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe. It adds a pop of color and a light herbal aroma that beautifully balances the rich cheese and meat. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top doesn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
I like pairing this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also works wonders — perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this lasagna in individual ramekins — it’s charming and makes serving a breeze. Another idea is to top slices with a dollop of mascarpone or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elevated look and flavor surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it cools, I tightly cover leftover lasagna with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe either before baking or after. For unbaked, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For leftovers, portion to freeze and reheat later.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, or warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. That little rest after reheating helps redistribute the cheese and sauce for a juicy, comforting bite every time.
FAQs
-
Can I make The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and pork for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or plant-based crumbles. You can also enhance the sauce by adding chopped veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.
-
Do I have to use both ground beef and pork?
Using both meats gives a richer flavor profile and texture, which is why I love this recipe so much. But if you prefer, you can use just beef or pork alone to simplify—it’ll still be delicious, just a bit different.
-
Can I prepare The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe entirely ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it completely and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for busy weeknights or entertaining when you want to minimize kitchen time.
-
How do I avoid watery lasagna?
Cook your noodles al dente and make sure to drain any excess liquid from your meat sauce. Also, let the lasagna rest after baking which helps the layers set and reduces wateriness when slicing.
-
What’s the best way to slice and serve this lasagna?
Use a sharp knife or a serrated pizza cutter after letting the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the layers stay intact and gives you clean, beautiful slices every time.
Final Thoughts
The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together family, tradition, and a bit of kitchen magic all in one dish. I hope you love making it as much as I do — it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and share something truly delicious with the people you care about.
Print
The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna is a rich and hearty Italian-American classic featuring layers of seasoned ground beef and pork in a robust tomato sauce, creamy ricotta mixed with eggs and Parmesan, tender lasagna noodles, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This comforting baked casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a special dinner, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 32 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork together until fully cooked, then drain excess grease to keep the sauce rich but not oily. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package directions, cooking them until they are al dente for the best texture. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and half a cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, begin by spreading a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, and spread more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking to set the layers for easier slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use quality ground beef and pork for the best flavor in the meat sauce.
- Cooking noodles al dente prevents the lasagna from becoming mushy during baking.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking makes slicing neater and improves texture.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize your lasagna.
- This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it convenient for meal prep.
