Name: The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 pound lasagna noodles; 32 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten; Fresh basil leaves

There’s something downright magical about diving into a homemade lasagna, and The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game changer in my kitchen. It’s not just any lasagna — it’s packed with layers of flavorful, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella that come together in the kind of way that makes you believe you’re in an Italian grandma’s kitchen. I love how this recipe brings a rich, robust depth with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Whenever I serve this lasagna for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s like the whole room lights up with that cozy, comforting aroma. The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe works beautifully for those times you want something celebratory yet totally approachable — it’s filling, crowd-pleasing, and when you follow a few of my tried-and-true tips, you’ll nail it every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to build layers of flavor that make The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe stand out. Here’s a quick tip: choosing quality meat and fresh cheese will seriously up your game, and don’t skip the fresh basil at the end for that bright finish.

Ground beef: I like 80/20 lean to keep it juicy without being greasy.
Ground pork: Adds a subtle sweetness and fat that’s perfect for the sauce.
Onion: Chopped finely so it almost melts into the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs the flavor punch here.
Crushed tomatoes: Use good quality canned tomatoes for a rich base.
Tomato sauce: Adds depth and smoothness to balance the crushed tomatoes.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that give it that traditional taste.
Salt and pepper: Season carefully. Taste as you go!
Lasagna noodles: I prefer no-boil noodles to save time and prevent extra fuss.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy layer that holds everything together beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better and creates that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty taste to brighten the cheese mix.
Eggs: Beat them into the ricotta to give it a firmer texture that doesn’t run.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnish — they add color and a fresh, herbal note to finish.

Variations

I love that The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe is a base you can easily customize depending on mood or dietary needs. Sometimes, I switch up the meats or sneak in extra veggies. Don’t be shy about making it yours.

Vegetable-packed version: I’ve added sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to stretch the sauce and add a fresh twist — your veggies will thank you!
Spicier kick: Toss in red pepper flakes when browning the meat for a subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Meat-only style: If you prefer a rich, all-meat sauce, stick fully with beef and pork, doubling ground pork for extra flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and double check your canned sauces to keep it safe.

How to Make The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build Your Sauce

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Throw in the ground beef and pork, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. It’s super important to achieve a good brown here — don’t rush it. Once the meat is nicely browned with no pink showing, scoop it out and set aside. Next, add a bit of olive oil if needed and sauté your chopped onion until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Now, add your browned meat back into the pan and pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat down and let it simmer gently while you prep other layers — at least 20 minutes to let flavors marry perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling

While your sauce is simmering, mix ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. This egg addition is a little trick I picked up to help the ricotta firm up as it bakes, so you won’t end up with a runny mess — it keeps your layers intact.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab a baking dish (9×13 inches works perfectly). Start with a layer of sauce on the bottom — this stops noodles from sticking. Then lay down your noodles in a single layer (no boiling needed if you’re using no-boil noodles). Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these steps: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella — until you run out, finishing with a sauce layer topped with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This layering is where all the magic happens, and sticking to this order helps keep each bite rich and balanced.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil — that keeps everything moist. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Don’t rush this resting time; it helps everything set up and makes serving way easier.

How to Serve The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe

The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe with fresh basil leaves — they bring a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness perfectly. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice final touch when serving.

Side Dishes

I like to keep the sides simple and crunchy — a crisp Caesar salad or some garlic bread works wonders here. The brightness of a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the lasagna beautifully, balancing the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this lasagna in smaller, individual ramekins—everyone loves their own personal portion that’s perfectly layered. Another idea I love is topping the slices with a little dollop of fresh ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make it look extra inviting on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna in airtight containers in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps well for up to 4 days. When layering in the container, I like to drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on top to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I usually assemble the whole dish, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the pieces with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the cheese melty without drying out the edges. You can also add a splash of water or extra sauce if it looks a little dry before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles in The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work wonderfully and save you a step. Just make sure to have enough sauce so the noodles can absorb moisture and cook properly during baking.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery ricotta layer?

Mixing beaten eggs into the ricotta, like in this recipe, helps it set nicely. Also, if your ricotta is very wet, you can drain it with some paper towels or strain it before mixing.
Can I prepare The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it the day before and refrigerate until baking. Just let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for a medley of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. Just adjust the seasoning and keep the cheese layers to maintain creaminess.
How do I make The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe less heavy?

Try using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and consider adding more vegetables into the sauce to lighten the overall dish without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna Recipe enough if you want that perfect balance of hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming all in one dish. It’s a recipe that’s become a true favorite in my home, one that sparks smiles and seconds at every meal. Give it a try, don’t rush the steps, and trust me, you’ll end up with a lasagna that feels like a warm hug from the heart of Sicily. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!