Homemade Lasagna Recipe: A Classic Dish

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cheesy, and hearty homemade lasagna straight from the oven. This classic lasagna recipe is layered with rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or looking for an impressive dish for a gathering, this baked lasagna is guaranteed to satisfy.

This easy homemade lasagna is perfect for any occasion and delivers restaurant-quality flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into how to make the best lasagna recipe from scratch!

Save

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you need to make the best homemade lasagna:

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 Paste (2 tablespoons)
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces)
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)

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
Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these steps to make a delicious and easy homemade lasagna:

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 paste, tomato sauce, 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 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
Add 1 cup of meat sauce and spread evenly.
Repeat the layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, 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.

Save

Tips for the Best Lasagna

Let the Sauce Simmer: A slow-cooked meat sauce develops deep, rich flavors, so don’t rush this step.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Draining Step: Drain excess grease from the meat to prevent a greasy sauce.
Overcooking the Noodles: Cook them just until al dente, as they will continue to soften while baking.
Not Enough Sauce: Make sure each layer has enough sauce to keep the lasagna moist.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Classic Plating: Serve a slice on a plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Family-Style Serving: Place the baking dish in the center of the table for a cozy, rustic feel.
Garnish Options: Add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor.

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 crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.

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. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual slices with a splash of water to keep them moist.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

Garlic Bread: A crispy side of garlic bread complements the rich flavors of lasagna.
Fresh Salad: Serve with a Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

Save

FAQ Section

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

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

What’s the best way to cut lasagna neatly?
Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife for clean layers.

Enjoy Your Best Homemade Lasagna!

This best homemade lasagna recipe is packed with layers of flavor, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this dish is sure to impress. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and subscribe for more classic homemade recipes!