There is something truly magical about gathering loved ones around a steaming tray of lasagna, and this Homemade Lasagna Recipe captures that warmth and comfort in every bite. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, tender noodles, and bubbly golden mozzarella come together to create a classic Italian-American dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something hearty and satisfying, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Lasagna Recipe plays an essential role, adding depth of flavor, smooth texture, and vibrant color to the final dish. From fragrant herbs to creamy cheeses, these simple, readily available ingredients create a lasagna that tastes homemade in every loving layer.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty flavor and a meaty base for the sauce.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture when cooked down.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth that infuses the meat sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste: Form the rich, tangy body of the sauce.
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that deliver authentic flavor.
- Salt, pepper, and sugar: Balance seasoning and brighten the sauce’s profile.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Adds fresh herbal notes and color.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth cheese filling that melts beautifully.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese mixture.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty sharpness and depth.
- Lasagna noodles: The tender pasta sheets provide structure and texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: The melty, golden topping everyone loves.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking your ground beef or Italian sausage along with chopped onion over medium heat until beautifully browned and fragrant. Drain any excess fat to keep your sauce from being greasy. Next, add minced garlic and cook just until aromatic, about one minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, followed by the herbs, salt, pepper, and an optional touch of sugar to mellow the acidity. Let this simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld into a rich, savory sauce.
Step 2: Mixing the Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This mixture should be creamy and smooth, creating the luscious contrast needed between layers in your lasagna. Set it aside while you prepare the noodles.
Step 3: Cooking the Noodles
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones, boil them according to package instructions until they are al dente. This means tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain and then lay out the noodles flat on parchment paper or an oiled surface to prevent sticking. This step ensures easy layering without tears.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin but even layer of the meat sauce to keep bottom noodles moist. Lay down the first 3 noodles, then spread one-third of the ricotta filling over them, followed by one-third of the meat sauce and a cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with a final sprinkling of mozzarella and a dusting of extra Parmesan on top. This builds the perfect stacked baker’s masterpiece.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, beautiful pieces that hold their shape and ooze flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens each bite of this hearty dish. For an extra touch, a small drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because Homemade Lasagna Recipe is rich and filling, pairing it with light, crisp sides works wonderfully. Think a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans to provide freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try assembling mini individual lasagnas in ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for parties or elegant dinners. Layer and bake them the same way, then garnish with a basil leaf to impress your guests. Alternatively, serve your lasagna with warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen and the texture remains enjoyable even the next day, making it easy to enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Homemade Lasagna Recipe also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. For freezing, either freeze the whole dish before baking or freeze individual portions after baking. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and keep it tasting fresh when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may alter the texture of the noodles and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in the Homemade Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef is classic, but swapping it for Italian sausage, turkey, or a mix gives you the freedom to customize flavor and fat content to your preference.
Do I have to boil regular lasagna noodles before layering?
If you use oven-ready lasagna noodles, no boiling is necessary, which saves time. But if using regular noodles, boiling until al dente is essential to avoid chewy pasta layers.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce or layers of roasted vegetables and use the same cheese mixture for a delicious vegetarian take.
Is it possible to prepare the lasagna a day ahead?
You can absolutely assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to cook, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What’s the best way to get perfectly even lasagna layers?
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread each layer thinly and evenly helps keep the layers neat and uniform, which makes serving easier and more visually appealing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a comforting, classic dish that brings everyone together, don’t wait to try this Homemade Lasagna Recipe. It’s approachable, filled with luscious layers of flavor, and destined to become your new favorite go-to meal when you want pure, cheesy happiness on a plate. Once you see how simple yet rewarding it is, you’ll find yourself making it again and again with a big smile every time.
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Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This homemade lasagna recipe features a rich meat sauce layered with creamy ricotta cheese filling, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s a classic Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering comforting flavors and a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar if desired to balance acidity. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Cook the Noodles (if not using oven-ready): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, generally about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking while you assemble the lasagna.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to cover the bottom. Layer 3 cooked noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then one-third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean portions and enhance flavor melding.
Notes
- You can prepare the lasagna assembly ahead of time and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 1 day before baking, or freeze it for later use.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese if preferred for a slightly different texture.
- Adding spinach or other greens to the cheese filling is a delicious way to boost nutrition and flavor.
