If you’re craving the comforting warmth of Italian cuisine without the fuss, this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and ooey-gooey mozzarella, it brings all the classic flavors right into your kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that’s guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas and your plate with sheer deliciousness. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight meal but special enough for celebrating any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe truly begins with its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the tender noodles that hold everything together, to the vibrant herbs that boost flavor, and the variety of cheeses that add creaminess and that perfect golden finish.
- 9 lasagna noodles: Cooked just right for tender layers without falling apart.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of the meat sauce with savory, hearty flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses that signature aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spicy touch.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The rich, tangy base of the meat sauce.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Soft and creamy texture that balances the savory meat.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture into smooth, sliceable layers.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the cheese blend.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, bubbly topping that makes lasagna irresistible.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and subtle herbal brightness for garnish.
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain them carefully and set aside, making sure none stick together—this foundation ensures your layers hold beautifully when assembled.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute to avoid burning. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s perfectly browned and full of rich flavor.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Meat Sauce
Season the meat with salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step melds the flavors together into that savory, luscious sauce that defines this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a lusciously tender texture to your layers, creating a perfect balance between the hearty meat sauce and rich cheeses.
Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna
Get your 9×13-inch baking dish ready by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom—this prevents sticking and sets the stage for layering. Add 3 noodles on top, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the meat sauce, and finish with a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering two more times, ensuring the top layer finishes with mozzarella for that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and beautifully bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this little pause helps the layers set so you get clean, gorgeous servings.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley right before serving brightens up the rich dish with a pop of vibrant green and a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the cheese and meat layers. It’s a simple touch that makes your lasagna look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes an excellent accompaniment—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or even ramekins for personal servings that feel extra special. You can also create a buffet-style spread with your favorite toppings like extra Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh basil leaves so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it moist, you can cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, just slice and warm it gently to enjoy the full, rich flavors all over again.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is perfect for freezing either before or after baking. For freezing uncooked, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, increase the baking time by about 15 minutes. For baked leftovers, wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze individually for convenient, ready-to-heat meals.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices covered with a damp paper towel on medium heat until hot for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work wonderfully in this recipe and offer different flavor profiles while keeping that meaty richness intact. Just adjust cooking times as needed for the substitute you choose.
Do I have to pre-cook the noodles?
While traditional lasagna typically requires boiling the noodles, you can streamline prep by using oven-ready noodles, which cook fully during baking. If you use them, skip the boiling step and add a bit more sauce to ensure plenty of moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Using a combination of hearty veggies can provide a satisfying texture and flavor without the meat.
How long does the lasagna need to rest before serving?
Allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes after baking lets the lasagna set and the layers hold together better, making slicing and serving much cleaner and more enjoyable.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, then bake right before mealtime. This makes it a fantastic option for busy days or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe brings the heart of Italy right to your table with layers of cozy, comforting flavors that everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel like a celebration, with simple ingredients and steps that promise a delicious payoff. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create this classic—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is a classic Italian-American dish featuring layers of cooked lasagna noodles, savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Lasagna Components
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Remove from heat once done.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the large egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer 3 noodles evenly over the sauce, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The cover helps trap steam and cook the layers evenly without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers and make slicing easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated unbaked for up to 24 hours; just bake when ready to serve.
- For a leaner variation, substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
- Using oven-ready lasagna noodles skips the boiling step and saves prep time.
