If there’s one dish that evokes pure comfort, it’s a bubbling pan of lasagna. This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the kind of classic everyone dreams about: a medley of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, pillowy ricotta, and plenty of golden, melty cheese, each layer more inviting than the last. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, feeding a crowd, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers everything you want from Italian comfort food—familiar flavors, heartiness, and that irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lasagna is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together in luscious harmony. Each component of this Homemade Lasagna Recipe adds something special, from the richness in the meats and creams to the herby depth and cheesy top. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love every item in your baking dish:
- Lasagna noodles: These wide sheets of pasta are the foundation of every delicious forkful, and cooking them just to al dente keeps the finished dish from going mushy.
- Ground beef: Brings hearty, meaty richness that soaks up the flavors of the tomato sauce.
- Italian sausage: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth that takes the meat sauce to another level.
- Onion: Gives a delicate sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the entire sauce with aromatic, classic Italian flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: Provide texture and the bulk for the sauce, ensuring each bite is saucy and bright.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato sauce: Lends moisture and a smoother consistency to balance the chunky tomatoes.
- Water: Prevents the sauce from becoming too thick while it simmers and melds together.
- Sugar: Just a touch, to round out the acidity of the tomatoes without making the dish sweet.
- Dried basil: Delivers a fragrant, herby profile that’s essential in Italian dishes.
- Dried oregano: Adds a distinct earthiness and slight peppery note.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory flavors throughout the meal.
- Black pepper: A dash for gentle heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered for bursts of herbal freshness.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings a rich, creamy layer that contrasts perfectly with the robust sauce.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling so every slice holds together beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese: That wonderful, stretchy topping—and who doesn’t love those strings of melted cheese?
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty punch on each layer and the golden brown crown.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente per the package directions—they’ll finish softening in the oven. Once cooked, drain them carefully and line them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking. Having perfectly cooked noodles is key for those classic layers in this Homemade Lasagna Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a big skillet or Dutch oven, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything over medium heat, mixing and breaking the meat into crumbles, until it’s fully browned and fragrant. Drain off excess fat, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir in sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and half your fresh parsley. Now, let the magic happen—simmer the sauce uncovered for 30 minutes, giving it a stir now and then so the flavors really meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese with the egg, remaining chopped parsley, and a hefty 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. This mixture should be smooth and ready to spread, delivering a lush, cheesy layer that truly sets this Homemade Lasagna Recipe apart from the rest.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon about 1 cup of meat sauce over the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the noodles from sticking and infuses the bottom with flavor. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then add one-third of the ricotta mixture, a cup of mozzarella, and about 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce. Repeat these layers twice more (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce), making sure to end with a final layer of noodles. Spread the remaining meat sauce on top, sprinkle with all the mozzarella left, and top with the rest of your Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil, tenting it slightly so the cheese doesn’t stick. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 25 minutes. By now, your kitchen should smell incredible and the lasagna should be bubbling with melty, golden cheese. Let it rest for a good 15 minutes before digging in—this is how your slices stay neat, tall, and picture-perfect.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on each slice gives a burst of color and uplifts those Italian herbs. For extra wow, grate just a little more Parmesan over the top as you serve—it’s all about that finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Lasagna is hearty enough to stand alone, but it truly shines when paired with a bright green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or a basket of warm, garlicky breadsticks. These sides balance the richness of the main event and invite everyone back for seconds!
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the Homemade Lasagna Recipe into smaller squares and serving them as appetizers at a party, or stack two ultra-thin pieces with a small basil leaf between them for an elegant plated dinner. No matter how you serve it up, those signature layers will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover lasagna, lucky you! Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The Homemade Lasagna Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days—just enough time to savor every last bite.
Freezing
Lasagna is one of the best freezer-friendly meals out there. Let any leftovers cool completely, then wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) Homemade Lasagna Recipe, too—just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for a dinner that’s almost effortless.
Reheating
To keep the flavors and textures just right, reheat your lasagna slices in the oven at 350°F (about 20–30 minutes, covered with foil), or microwave smaller portions. A splash of water and tightly covering the serving helps restore moisture, so every bite tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese offers a lighter, slightly tangy twist. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it still works beautifully as a filling in this Homemade Lasagna Recipe.
How can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
To save time, assemble the whole lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to adjust baking times much, though you may need an extra 10 minutes or so if baking from cold.
What meat can I use instead of beef and sausage?
Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative. This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is flexible enough to handle all kinds of protein swaps—just be sure to brown your choice thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Let your meat sauce simmer and reduce, and be sure to drain your noodles well before assembling. That way, your layers stay structured and your slices don’t fall apart or feel mushy when cut.
Can I add vegetables to this Homemade Lasagna Recipe?
Definitely! Saute diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and layer them in with the ricotta for a little extra flavor and nutrition without sacrificing the dish’s classic appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that “big hug in a casserole dish” feeling, this Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the answer. Every layer brings warmth and tradition to your table; I can’t wait for you to give this classic comfort food a try and see how quickly it becomes a family legend in your kitchen!
