Lasagna is one of those dishes that instantly brings people together. It’s hearty, comforting, and layered with so much flavor that you just can’t resist going back for seconds. For many, it’s a family tradition—passed down from generation to generation, tweaked along the way to fit individual tastes, yet always bringing that warm, home-cooked feeling. This homemade lasagna recipe is my family’s go-to, and after trying it, I’m confident it’ll become yours too.
I first learned how to make lasagna from my grandmother, who swore that the key to the best lasagna was taking your time. “It’s all about the layers,” she’d say as she mixed the ricotta, browned the beef, and assembled each layer with love. Growing up, we’d gather around her kitchen every Sunday afternoon, waiting eagerly to dig in as the lasagna slowly baked. Today, I’ve taken her classic recipe and refined it just a bit, but I’ve kept the same warmth and attention to detail. This is the lasagna that will make your house smell like heaven, and your family will thank you for it.
What is The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe?
Lasagna is an Italian classic made by layering sheets of pasta with a savory meat sauce, rich ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect dish for feeding a crowd, and its combination of flavors is nothing short of magical. The „best“ homemade lasagna recipe balances all the components perfectly: a deep, flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender pasta. It’s more than just a casserole—it’s comfort on a plate, ready to make any meal feel like a special occasion.
This particular recipe uses a rich and meaty tomato sauce made from ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs. The ricotta filling is light and creamy, while the mozzarella adds a wonderful stretch and melt. And, of course, it all comes together with a touch of Parmesan cheese for a final layer of savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe
This homemade lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to more festive occasions. The beauty of this recipe lies in how adaptable it is. Whether you’re looking to feed a busy weeknight crowd, planning ahead for a big family gathering, or just craving something indulgent, this lasagna has you covered. It’s also kid-friendly—my children always ask for seconds when I make it—and makes for some of the best leftovers around. In fact, many say lasagna tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen.
The best part? You can prep it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve, making this an incredibly convenient dish for busy home cooks.
How to Make Lasagna Recipe
Making lasagna may seem like a big task, but don’t be intimidated! With a little bit of planning and a few key ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dish in no time. Here’s everything you need to make the best homemade lasagna:
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the meat sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the lasagna noodles: If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook according to package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3-4 cooked noodles on top. Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times. Finish by topping with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
What to Serve With Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can elevate the experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic bread: A classic side that’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
- Mixed green salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even brussels sprouts for a healthy and tasty side dish.
Top Tips for Lasagna Recipe
- Make it ahead: Lasagna can be made up to a day ahead. Just assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Use no-boil noodles: If you’re short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles are a great shortcut and still yield a delicious result.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a spicier lasagna, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to the meat sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day! To store leftovers, simply cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this lasagna.
Can I make lasagna without ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream or use more mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes very well. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead of homemade?
Of course! If you’re in a pinch for time, using a store-bought marinara or pasta sauce will still give you a delicious lasagna.
How do I know when my lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is golden and bubbly, and the sauce is hot throughout. You can also insert a thermometer in the center to check if it has reached 165°F.
Conclusion
This homemade lasagna recipe is a true family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for both special occasions and weeknight meals. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, you’ll love the comfort and satisfaction this lasagna brings. Grab your ingredients, set aside some time to layer up, and get ready to create a dish that’ll warm your heart—and your table!
The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Large pan or skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
Zutaten
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles regular or no-boil
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Anleitungen
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular noodles, cook them according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a bit of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 3-4 noodles on top. Add a layer of cheese mixture, then cover with more meat sauce. Repeat with another layer of noodles, cheese, and sauce. Top with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.