The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna

The rich, aromatic layers of The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna will transport you straight to a traditional Italian family dinner. As the cheese bubbles and the hearty meat sauce simmers, your kitchen transforms into a slice of Sicily. This isn’t just any lasagna—The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna pays homage to the classic comfort food with robust flavors and perfect textures that would make any Italian grandmother proud. The combination of savory ground beef, three distinct cheeses, and aromatic herbs creates a masterpiece worthy of Sunday dinner. You’ll learn how to build perfect layers, achieve the ideal consistency, and create a lasagna that might just become your family’s new favorite tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna stands apart from ordinary pasta dishes with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers the perfect contrast between the tender pasta sheets, creamy ricotta mixture, savory meat sauce, and stretchy melted mozzarella. This authentic Sicilian-inspired recipe creates a lasagna with the ideal sauce-to-pasta ratio—never dry, never soggy.

What makes this Godfather Sicilian Lasagna special is its accessibility. Despite its impressive results, you won’t need specialty ingredients or advanced culinary skills. The recipe breaks down complex techniques into manageable steps that even novice cooks can master.

The slow-simmered sauce develops deep, complex flavors that commercial versions simply can’t match. When combined with the three-cheese blend and perfectly cooked pasta, it creates a lasagna with distinct layers that hold their shape when served—no sloppy, collapsed portions here. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or when you simply crave a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Ingredients List for The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna

The soul of The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna lies in its quality ingredients—each component brings authentic Italian character to this beloved classic. The combination of three distinct cheeses and aromatic herbs creates the signature flavor profile that sets this lasagna apart.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 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 for garnish

Pro Tips

Mastering The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna comes down to a few critical techniques that elevate this dish from good to unforgettable:

Perfect the sauce: Allow your meat sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it go for up to an hour. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. Stir occasionally and taste as you go, adjusting seasonings as needed. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon but not so thick it becomes paste-like.

Nail the pasta texture: Cook your lasagna noodles just until al dente—they should retain a slight firmness as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. After draining, lay them flat on baking sheets or clean kitchen towels rather than stacking them, which can cause them to stick together and tear. A touch of olive oil on the noodles can also prevent sticking.

Rest before serving: Perhaps the most overlooked step is allowing your Sicilian Lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking. This crucial resting period allows the layers to settle and firm up, making it much easier to cut and serve perfect portions that maintain their structure on the plate. It also prevents burnt mouths from overly hot fillings!

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.

Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat.

Step 4: In a bowl, mix ricotta, beaten eggs, and half a cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish, followed by layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Repeat layers and finish with meat sauce and cheese.

Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Let rest before serving.

Variations

The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna can be adapted in several delicious ways while maintaining its authentic character:

Vegetarian Godfather: Replace the ground beef with a hearty mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. The key is to cook the vegetables until most of their moisture evaporates to prevent a watery lasagna. This vegetable-based version maintains the same robust texture and satisfying layers as the original.

Spicy Sicilian: For heat lovers, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce and incorporate spicy Italian sausage alongside or in place of the ground beef. This variation adds a warming kick that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese layers in this classic layered pasta dish.

Seafood Twist: For a coastal Sicilian inspiration, replace the meat with a mixture of shrimp and bay scallops sautéed with a touch of white wine. This elegant variation of the traditional Godfather Lasagna brings a lighter, yet equally impressive alternative that’s perfect for special occasions.

Storage and Serving

The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Once cooled completely, cover tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap then foil for up to 3 months.

When serving The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. The peppery greens and bright acidity provide the perfect counterpoint to the hearty lasagna.

For an authentic Sicilian experience, serve with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Nero d’Avola makes the perfect beverage pairing, enhancing the tomato-based sauce and complementing the savory beef in this classic layered pasta creation.

FAQs

Can I assemble The Godfather Sicilian Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely. If using no-boil noodles for your Sicilian Lasagna, ensure your sauce is slightly thinner as these noodles absorb more liquid. You may also want to add an extra ¼ cup of water around the edges of the baking dish.

Why is my lasagna watery?
Watery lasagna usually results from not draining the ricotta or using too much sauce. To fix this, drain ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer for 30 minutes before using and make sure your sauce has reduced properly.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta in Godfather Sicilian Lasagna. For the best texture, drain it first or pulse briefly in a food processor for a smoother consistency similar to traditional ricotta.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
For best results, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but results in a softer texture.

Print