If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, this Homemade Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, every bite bursts with authentic Italian-American flavors and textures that will satisfy your soul. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna holds a treasured place on my table, delivering a satisfying balance of savory, cheesy, and aromatic goodness that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, coming together to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the savory meat blend to the fragrant herbs and luscious cheeses, each component plays a crucial role in making this recipe unforgettable.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty foundation with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spicy dimension that elevates the meat sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers natural sweetness and depth once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the robust base of the tomato sauce with natural sweetness and acidity.
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor to create a rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried): Brings a fragrant, herbaceous brightness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce and cheese mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat to balance the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle kick of spice.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps simmer the sauce to perfect thickness without drying it out.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Provides the chewy, tender layers that hold everything together.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a smooth texture to contrast the meat sauce.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so it holds its shape through baking.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor to the cheese blend for extra depth.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating that irresistible bubbly, golden crust.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green color and mild flavor at serving.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion together until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook just for a minute until fragrant—this will awaken the flavors beautifully. Be sure to drain the excess grease to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh or dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and water. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens and the flavors meld into a luscious, aromatic blend.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
While your sauce is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, carefully drain and set them aside. It’s important to prevent the noodles from sticking, so lay them flat or lightly drizzle with a little olive oil if needed.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. The egg acts as a binder, giving this creamy mixture stability so it layers nicely between the noodles and sauce. This step is key for that luscious, creamy texture in each bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a thin layer of the rich meat sauce to coat the bottom. Next, arrange four lasagna noodles in an even layer. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then one-third of the meat sauce, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in during the initial bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the lasagna covered for 25 minutes, which allows the flavors to marry and the cheese to melt. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The final resting period of 15 minutes before slicing is crucial—it lets everything set so your layers hold beautifully and each portion comes out perfect.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh note that complements the rich flavors. For an extra touch, a dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving can heighten the savory experience.
Side Dishes
Homemade lasagna shines brightest alongside crisp, vibrant sides like a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables. Crusty Italian bread is another wonderful choice, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual lasagna portions baked in small ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at the table for guests to customize their slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you reheat, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This Homemade Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. If freezing after baking, cool completely before wrapping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or heat the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through. This preserves the creamy textures and the cheesy top without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make this Homemade Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach or use plant-based ground meat alternatives to keep the rich, meaty texture without animal products.
What type of cheese is best for lasagna?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses create the classic creamy, melty, flavorful combination. However, you can experiment with part-skim varieties or add provolone for more complexity.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles before assembling?
This recipe calls for boiling the noodles to al dente. Some no-boil noodles exist, but boiling ensures perfect texture and prevents dryness.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to one day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This helps the flavors develop and can save time on the day of serving.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The cheese on top should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. The sauce will be simmering around the edges, and the lasagna should be hot all the way through when tested with a knife or thermometer.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy of a homemade lasagna straight from your oven, and this Homemade Lasagna Recipe delivers that experience brilliantly. It’s a timeless classic that brings family and friends together, filling your kitchen with unforgettable smells and your heart with warmth. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s one of my all-time favorites!
Print
Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Homemade Lasagna recipe layers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting Italian-American dinner.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the aroma.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Drain the excess grease from the meat mixture. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain immediately and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, large egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once assembly is complete.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, then one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly browned, indicating a perfectly cooked lasagna.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking to set up, making it easier to cut and enhancing flavor melding. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute all ground beef or all Italian sausage based on preference.
- Cottage cheese can be used as an alternative to ricotta cheese.
- For convenience, assemble the lasagna up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
