If you have ever dreamed of making a hearty, comforting Italian classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in the right place. This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe brings together rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixtures, perfectly tender noodles, and melty mozzarella in a way that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that turns any meal into a celebration—and the best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to pull it off spectacularly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this lasagna is refreshingly simple, yet each item plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting look. From the fragrant herbs to the blend of cheeses and hearty meats, this recipe uses straightforward staples that create layers of deliciousness.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds a robust, savory foundation that balances the sauce’s acidity.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Brings spice and depth, enhancing the meat sauce’s character.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides sweetness and aromatic base when cooked down.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable warm, fragrant punch.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The body of the sauce, giving a thick, rich tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 cans, 6 oz each): Concentrates the tomato taste for depth.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans, 15 oz each): Adds smoothness and balances acidity.
- Water (1/2 cup): Adjusts sauce consistency for just the right thickness.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Counters tomato acidity, rounding out the sauce’s flavor.
- Dried basil leaves (3 teaspoons): Introduces classic Italian herbaceous notes.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A harmonious blend of herbs supporting the sauce’s complexity.
- Salt (1 tablespoon for sauce + 1/2 teaspoon for cheese): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of subtle heat and depth.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brightens the sauce and cheese mixture with fresh herbal aroma.
- Ricotta cheese (16 ounces): Creates creamy, luscious layers that contrast the meaty sauce.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture for smooth, stable layering.
- Lasagna noodles (12): The essential structural layers holding everything together perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melts beautifully for that signature gooey top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds nutty, salty sharpness that complements the creamy cheeses.
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
The magic starts with a savory meat sauce that combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic onion. As you brown the meat and soften the onion, the aromas that fill your kitchen begin the comforting story of this lasagna. Adding garlic soon after deepens that flavor, before pouring in tomatoes, tomato paste, and sauce alongside a bit of water to create the perfect texture. Seasoned generously with herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper, this sauce simmers gently for 30 minutes, letting each ingredient meld into a rich, hearty topping for your noodles.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, it’s time to blend the creamy ricotta with a fresh egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt. This mixture ensures that your lasagna has silky, velvety layers packed with fresh flavor balanced by just the right seasoning. The egg acts as a gentle binder, making sure your cheese layers hold their shape when baked.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
No lasagna is complete without tender noodles, cooked to al dente perfection. Boiling them just right ensures they’ll hold up beneath the rich layerings without becoming mushy. Laying the noodles flat on parchment paper straight out of the water prevents sticking and makes assembly a breeze.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun and creative part — layering! Start by spreading a generous amount of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking, then arrange four noodles in a neat layer. Dollop and spread a third of your ricotta mixture, followed by ample amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this dance two more times, finishing with a top layer of sauce and cheese that will bubble and brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes to let everything meld together quietly. Removing the foil unleashes the cheese to brown and bubble with golden perfection during the final 25 minutes of baking. Letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set-up so every slice holds together beautifully — worth the little bit of patience.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that makes each serving even more inviting. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of extra Parmesan right before serving can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This lasagna shines as the star of the table, but pairing it with crisp green salads dressed with tangy vinaigrettes or garlicky roasted vegetables balances the richness perfectly. A basket of crusty bread or warm garlic knots also complements the hearty layers, perfect for mopping up every delicious bite of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to make your Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe extra special? Try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins for a charming twist. Layering in a glass dish allows those beautiful colors and textures to be appreciated before the first bite. For festive occasions, a sprinkle of edible flowers or a side of marinated olives can add a fun, unexpected flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna is a treasured bonus, and storing it properly is key. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the flavors intact and the texture just right.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, make-ahead feast on your schedule.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes. Removing the foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes allows the cheese to regain that lovely melted and slightly browned finish. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make the noodles a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat for this lasagna?
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage provide a classic rich flavor, you can switch up the meats by using ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms to suit your preference.
Do I have to boil the noodles, or can I use no-boil noodles?
You can definitely use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience. Just be sure there’s enough sauce and moisture in your recipe to allow the noodles to soften properly during baking.
Can I prepare this lasagna a day in advance?
Yes! Lasagna actually benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Prepare it the day before, cover, refrigerate, and bake it the next day, adding a bit of extra bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t your favorite or available, cottage cheese works as a great substitute, or you can blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to replicate that creamy texture.
How do I know when the lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned, and the sauce is visibly simmering through the layers. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, beautiful portions.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with generous, comforting slices of pure Italian bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a weekend treat, it’s a dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to classic.
Print
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This easy lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to perfection. A classic Italian-American comfort food dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Cover and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Set aside for layering.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles carefully and spread them flat on parchment paper or a lightly greased surface to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1½ cups of the prepared meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then scatter one-third of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and cheeses on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the assembled dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set for easier serving.
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip cooking them separately.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried at a higher quantity for more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the meat to avoid greasy sauce.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
