Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings together layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. The blend of hearty meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese makes every bite warm and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and promises a cozy meal.
I love making this lasagna when I want to treat myself or share a meal with friends and family. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to add extra veggies, swap out the meat, or pile on more cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time, so you can just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to eat.
My best tip for lasagna is to let it rest for a bit after baking. It helps the layers settle so it cuts nicely and keeps all those delicious flavors together. I often serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Whenever I make homemade lasagna, I always end up craving seconds and can’t wait to make it again soon.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles work great, but you can use no-boil noodles to save time. Just add a little extra sauce to help them cook in the oven.
Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef to reduce fat, but ground turkey or chicken are good swaps if you want something lighter.
Ricotta cheese: This gives creaminess to the layers. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works fine—just blend it for a smoother texture.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Mozzarella melts nicely, while Parmesan adds flavor. You can swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have time. Adding dried herbs like oregano and basil brightens the flavor, but fresh herbs can be used too.
How Do You Layer Lasagna for the Best Results?
Layering is key to even cooking and flavor in lasagna. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with sauce: A thin layer on the dish stops noodles from sticking.
- Add noodles: Spread them evenly side by side without overlapping too much to avoid clumps.
- Ricotta mixture: Spread this gently but fully over the noodles for creamy texture.
- Sauce and cheese: Add a good amount of meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella to lock moisture.
- Repeat layers: Do this two more times so you get a balanced layer of each ingredient throughout.
Cover the dish while baking to keep cheese from browning too quickly, then uncover near the end for that perfect golden top. Let it rest after baking—it helps the layers firm up so you get neat slices!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling lasagna noodles evenly without them sticking together.
- Skillet or frying pan – great for cooking ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic all in one pan.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – the ideal size for layering your lasagna and baking it evenly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining ricotta and egg smoothly before layering.
- Aluminum foil – essential for covering the lasagna during baking to keep moisture in and prevent burning.
- Spatula or spoon – helps spread sauces and cheese evenly over each layer.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add a spicy, herby kick to your sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra veggies and a boost of nutrients.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a slightly sharper, creamier melt.
- Mix fresh basil or parsley into the ricotta for a fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 lasagna noodles
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lasagna recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus 45 minutes to bake, and 10-15 minutes resting time before serving. So plan for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to delicious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well, then spread the cooked noodles out on parchment or foil so they don’t stick together.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté them for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld together.
3. Mix the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese and the egg until smooth and well blended. This will ensure a creamy and firm cheese layer in your lasagna.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay 3 or 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce side by side, covering the dish evenly. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Then add one-third of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese over this layer. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella topped by grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake and Rest:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for another 20 minutes, until you see the cheese bubbling and turning a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
6. Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting layers of savory sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Regular Ones?
Yes, no-boil noodles are a convenient option! When using them, skip the boiling step and add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook fully in the oven.
How Can I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
Is It Okay to Make Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it a little longer covered to ensure it’s fully heated.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Other Meats?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well too. Just adjust cooking times if needed and drain excess fat from fattier meats before adding sauce.
