Joy Behar’s Lasagne Recipe: Layers of Cheesy, Meaty Comfort

Few dishes deliver comfort like a perfectly layered lasagne, and this version brings that classic Italian-American warmth to your table. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Every bite offers that satisfying balance of textures—tender pasta, hearty filling, and gooey cheese.

What sets this lasagne apart is the attention to detail in each layer. The meat sauce simmers until deeply flavorful, the ricotta mixture stays light yet rich, and the noodles cook just enough to hold their shape. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort with every forkful.

Ingredients for Joy Behar Lasagne

This is your grocery list for that perfect cheesy, meaty lasagne with layers of comfort.

The meat mixture is where the magic happens. 80/20 ground beef gives you that rich flavor without being greasy, and adding Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) kicks it up a notch. I grab mine from Whole Foods when I want quality, but regular supermarket stuff works fine. For the tomatoes, San Marzano crushed tomatoes are worth it—they’re sweeter and less acidic. If you can’t find them, any good-quality crushed tomatoes will do (just avoid the ones with added basil).

No ricotta? Cottage cheese blended smooth works in a pinch, though it’s a bit tangier. Fresh mozzarella is ideal for that perfect melt, but pre-shredded in a bag saves time (just pat it dry first). Out of Parmesan? Pecorino Romano adds a sharper kick. The noodles can be regular or oven-ready—I actually prefer the texture of regular lasagna noodles, but oven-ready saves a step. Don’t skip the egg in the ricotta mixture—it helps bind everything together.

Assemble this lasagne ahead of time and refrigerate overnight—it actually improves the flavor. Baked lasagne keeps 4-5 days in the fridge and freezes beautifully for 3 months. I like to cut mine into portions before freezing so I can grab individual servings. Leftovers reheat perfectly in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Joy Behar’s Lasagne

This is how I build those perfect layers of meaty, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the 1 whole onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. I like to stir occasionally to prevent any browning—just let it sweat and become sweet.

Push the onions to the side and add the 1.5 lb ground beef and 0.5 lb Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is evenly browned and any liquid has evaporated.

Stir in the 4 cloves garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 6 oz tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 whole large egg, ½ cup parmesan cheese, and remaining ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well until completely smooth. This egg helps bind the ricotta so it doesn’t make your lasagne watery.

I like to taste the mixture at this point—it should be well-seasoned but not overpowering. The flavors will meld beautifully with the meat sauce and noodles. Set this aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagne Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 pieces lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed. I don’t pre-cook oven-ready noodles, but if using regular, boil them for 8 minutes first.

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese and ⅓ of the remaining parmesan cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and cheeses. Top with a final layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the last of the cheeses.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking steams the noodles perfectly. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

You’ll know it’s done when the edges are crispy and the center is set. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving—this is crucial for clean slices. The lasagne will firm up as it cools slightly, making it easier to serve those beautiful layers.

Perfect Pairings for joy behar lasagne

Wine Pairings

A rich, hearty lasagne like this calls for bold Italian wines that can stand up to the meaty, cheesy flavors. My go-to is a Chianti Classico—its bright acidity and cherry notes cut through the richness beautifully. Look for one with at least 13% ABV to balance the dish’s intensity. 🍷

Beer Alternatives

If you prefer beer, a malty Italian amber ale like Birra del Borgo ReAle complements the tomato sauce perfectly. For something more accessible, a dark lager or brown ale with caramel notes works wonderfully. The slight bitterness cleanses your palate between bites.

Side Salad Pairing

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast. Toss 4 cups baby arugula with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The peppery greens and bright acidity balance the lasagne’s richness.

Garlic Bread Essential

No lasagne meal is complete without garlic bread. I use a baguette split lengthwise, brushed with 3 tbsp garlic butter (melted butter mixed with 2 minced garlic cloves), then toasted at 375°F for 8 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley for freshness. 🥖

Vegetable Sides

For a heartier meal, add roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans. Toss 1 lb broccoli florets with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and roast at 425°F for 15 minutes until crispy. The charred edges add great texture contrast.

Dessert Follow-Up

End the meal with something light like lemon sorbet or tiramisu. The citrus in sorbet refreshes your palate after the rich lasagne, while tiramisu’s coffee flavors provide a satisfying finish. I love serving Talia di Napoli tiramisu from my local Italian market. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions