Best Homemade Lasagna –Easy Baked Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, nothing beats a classic homemade lasagna. This best homemade lasagna recipe is rich, flavorful, and layered with tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

If you’re searching for an easy homemade lasagna that delivers restaurant-quality flavor, look no further. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday dinner or a festive gathering, this baked lasagna recipe will be a hit!

Save

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lasagna Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful – Made with a hearty meat sauce and creamy ricotta layers.
• Classic Comfort Food – A timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make – Step-by-step instructions for foolproof results.
• Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
• Crowd-Pleasing – A guaranteed hit at family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Lasagna

To make this classic lasagna recipe, you’ll need:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Skillet or saucepan for meat sauce
• Mixing bowl for ricotta mixture
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make the Best Homemade Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and topping with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Save

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and gives a creamier texture.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the lasagna to rest helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Add Fresh Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce – Add a bit of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Noodles – Cook them al dente to avoid mushy lasagna.
• Skipping the Resting Time – This helps the layers set and prevents a messy presentation.
• Not Draining Excess Fat – Draining fat from the meat prevents a greasy sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Lasagna – Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna – Add extra layers of cheese like Fontina, Gouda, or Provolone.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Healthier Version – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

Serving Suggestions

This baked lasagna pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread for a classic combination.
• Caesar salad for a fresh, crisp side.
• Steamed vegetables for a healthier meal.

How to Store & Reheat Lasagna

Storing:

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing:

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Save

FAQs

1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option.

3. How do I make this recipe extra cheesy?

Add extra layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, or additional cheeses between the layers.

4. What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Drain excess fat from the meat, and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing.

Conclusion

This Best Homemade Lasagna is the perfect combination of rich flavors, creamy layers, and hearty comfort. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday feast, this easy homemade lasagna will be a hit every time. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have a classic lasagna recipe that everyone will love.

Try this baked lasagna today and enjoy a delicious taste of comfort! If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and subscribe for more classic Italian recipes! 😊

Print