Italian Lasagna Recipe: The Best Lasagna Ever!

When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing beats a warm, hearty, and flavorful Italian lasagna straight from the oven. This authentic lasagna recipe is layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blend of different cheeses to create the best lasagna recipe ever.

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this beef lasagna recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Let’s get started on making the best homemade lasagna recipe with all the authentic Italian flavors you love!

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Ingredients Overview

For the Meat Sauce:

Ground Beef (1 pound or 450g)
Italian Sausage (½ pound or 225g, optional for extra flavor)
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces)
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces)
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)
Water (½ cup)
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
Salt (1 teaspoon)
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional for spice)
Sugar (1 teaspoon, to balance acidity)
Fresh Basil or Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

Ricotta Cheese (1 ½ cups)
Egg (1 large)
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)

For the Lasagna Layers:

Lasagna Noodles (12 sheets, cooked or oven-ready)
Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups, shredded)
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
Provolone Cheese (1 cup, shredded or sliced)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this homemade lasagna recipe, you’ll need:

Large skillet or saucepan
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling noodles (if using traditional lasagna noodles)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and Italian sausage (if using). Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Stir well.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in fresh basil or parsley before removing from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping.
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese over the ricotta.
Add 1 cup of meat sauce and spread evenly.
Repeat the layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, cheese, sauce).
For the final layer, place noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Tips for the Best Lasagna

Use a Variety of Cheeses: A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone gives the best balance of flavor and texture.
Let the Sauce Simmer: A slow-cooked meat sauce develops deeper flavors.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Resting helps the layers set for clean slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Using Enough Sauce: The noodles need enough liquid to cook properly.
Overcooking the Pasta: If using regular noodles, don’t overboil them before baking.
Skipping the Foil: Covering the lasagna while baking keeps it from drying out.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Classic Plating: Serve slices on plates with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Restaurant-Style Garnish: Drizzle with olive oil and add red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Pair with Garlic Bread: A crispy side of garlic bread complements the rich lasagna flavors.

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Recipe Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce and shredded chicken instead of tomato sauce and beef.
Spicy Lasagna: Add extra red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions with a splash of water.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

Caesar Salad: A fresh, tangy salad balances out the cheesy layers.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
Red Sauce Dipping: A side of marinara sauce adds extra richness.

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FAQ Section

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
No, you can substitute cottage cheese or béchamel sauce for a different texture.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Make sure to drain excess liquid from the meat sauce and let the lasagna rest before cutting.

Try This Authentic Italian Lasagna Today!

This authentic Italian lasagna recipe is the perfect balance of meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and subscribe for more classic lasagna recipes!