Name: Classic Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) – 12 noodles (enough for 3 layers); Ground beef – 1 lb (450g) (or a combination of ground beef and sausage); Onion (diced) – 1 medium onion; Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves; Tomato sauce – 2 cups (480ml); Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz or 410g); Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons; Italian seasoning – 2 teaspoons; Fresh basil (optional) – 1/4 cup, chopped; Ricotta cheese – 15 oz (425g); Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – 2 cups (200g); Parmesan cheese (shredded) – 1/2 cup (50g); Egg – 1 large egg; Olive oil – 1 tablespoon; Salt – to taste (about 1 teaspoon for the sauce); Pepper – to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

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Ah, lasagna! There’s just something about a big, cheesy, bubbling pan of lasagna that brings everyone to the table with a smile. This classic homemade lasagna recipe is a true comfort food staple, layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella—all nestled between perfectly cooked sheets of lasagna noodles. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a satisfying meal for yourself, this lasagna is the answer. It’s rich, indulgent, and just downright delicious, with flavors that improve even more the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This homemade lasagna is everything you want in a lasagna: perfectly layered, rich in flavor, and packed with all the right ingredients. The meat sauce is the heart of the dish—rich with beef, tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning. The creamy ricotta filling adds a luscious layer that complements the savory sauce, while the mozzarella on top gets all bubbly and golden. It’s like a big, warm hug on a plate, and it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need to impress your guests.

Ingredients

(Note: A full list of ingredients is provided below)

Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
Ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and sausage)
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil (optional)
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Egg
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), start by boiling them according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to add flavor to the noodles as they cook. Once the noodles are done, drain them and rinse with cool water to prevent them from sticking together. Set them aside on a clean kitchen towel or plate.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (and sausage if you’re using it) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Once the meat is fully cooked, remove any excess fat from the pan.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you have fresh basil, add a handful of chopped basil for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes (or longer if you have the time), stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, and one egg. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Next, layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly. Spread about a third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, add a generous layer of meat sauce over the ricotta. Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce) until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top of the lasagna.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the lasagna with foil (make sure the foil is not touching the cheese) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the layers set and make slicing easier.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Rest the Lasagna: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing will help it hold together better and make it easier to serve.
Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, you can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce or layer them between the cheese layers.
Use No-Boil Noodles: If you’re short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles are a great option. They’ll cook right in the sauce as the lasagna bakes.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well, so feel free to make two batches and freeze one for later!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap the ground beef and sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta. You can also use lentils as a meat substitute for added protein.
Different Meats: For a different flavor profile, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage. Ground lamb is another great option if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous.
Cheese Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try using cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. You can also play around with the types of cheese you use in the filling and topping—mozzarella, provolone, or gouda all work well.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Lasagna is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking for a side, serve it with a light green salad and a simple vinaigrette to balance out the richness. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping in that delicious sauce is always a win. If you’re drinking wine, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the layers of cheesy goodness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, but the oven method helps keep the layers intact and ensures the cheese gets nice and melty.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna in advance?
Yes! Lasagna is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble it the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to bake it for a bit longer since it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Once assembled, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, or bake from frozen (you may need to increase the baking time).

3. How can I make the lasagna less greasy?
To reduce the fat in the lasagna, use lean ground beef or turkey, drain excess fat from the meat, and opt for lower-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella or ricotta.

4. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried noodles?
Yes, you can use fresh pasta sheets! Just layer them directly into the dish without boiling them first, as they’ll cook while the lasagna bakes.

Conclusion

This classic homemade lasagna is everything you want in a comfort food dish—hearty, cheesy, and full of rich, savory flavor. It’s the perfect meal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself to a delicious, homemade meal. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why lasagna is a timeless favorite that always hits the spot. Enjoy every layer of cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Classic Homemade Lasagna

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition