Name: The Best Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds, The Best Homemade Lasagna is about to become your new go-to recipe. Rich layers of savory meat sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and gooey, golden cheese come together in a cozy dish that's perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you need a little extra love on your plate. Ready to taste homemade happiness? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Classic Italian flavor with rich, savory layers in every bite.
Easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Tons of gooey, melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese.
Customizable for vegetarians or with your favorite ground meat.
Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals later on.

Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
1 pound (450g) ground beef
½ pound (225g) Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups (475g) ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
3 cups (330g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and lay flat on a large towel or parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spoon 1 cup of meat sauce onto the bottom of the dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and ⅓ cup Parmesan. Top with 1 ½ cups sauce.
Repeat layers twice, ending with remaining sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover dish with aluminum foil (tenting slightly so cheese doesn't stick). Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden cheese top.
Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing, so the layers set perfectly.

Notes

For extra depth, simmer the sauce an additional 15 minutes; it'll only get richer!
If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip boiling them—just add ¼ cup of water to the sauce.
Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures nice, neat slices.

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers.
White Chicken Lasagna: Substitute the red sauce with Alfredo, and use shredded cooked chicken.
Four-Cheese Lasagna: Swap some mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or asiago for a cheese-lover’s dream.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Large pot for boiling noodles
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Aluminum foil
Wooden spoon or spatula

Storage Instructions

Let leftover lasagna cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for convenience.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad and warm, crusty garlic bread.
A glass of bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon perfectly cuts the richness.
Finish the meal with a light Italian dessert like tiramisu or a scoop of gelato!

Pro Tips

Shred your own mozzarella for the meltiest, cheesiest topping—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that inhibit melting.
If possible, make your lasagna a day ahead—the flavors become even more delicious overnight.
Lightly oil the foil before covering the lasagna to prevent the cheese from sticking.

FAQ

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours in advance. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if starting chilled.

Can I freeze homemade lasagna?

Yes—lasagna freezes beautifully baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure your sauce is thick, drain any excess liquid from veggies, and let the lasagna rest after baking before slicing for clean, sturdy servings.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes