Homemade Lasagna recipe

Homemade lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that fills the kitchen with…

By Ava
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November 9, 2025
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Reading time: 7 min

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Homemade lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a dish that fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma and makes everyone eager to sit down and eat together.

I love making lasagna from scratch because it gives me a chance to tweak the flavors just right. One of my favorite things is to simmer the sauce slowly so all the spices come through, and mix a little fresh basil into the ricotta for an extra pop. It’s worth the bit of patience and effort because the results always bring smiles.

This lasagna is perfect for family dinners or when friends come over. I often prepare it a day ahead; it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an easy go-to meal for busy days. Whenever I serve it, everyone always asks for seconds and sometimes even thirds!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Homemade Lasagna

Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles give the best texture if cooked al dente. No-boil noodles save time but add a bit more moisture. If gluten-free is needed, use gluten-free pasta sheets.

Ground Meat: I like combining ground beef and Italian sausage for a balance of flavor and richness. You can swap sausage for ground pork or turkey for a lighter version.

Tomato Sauce & Paste: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste deepen the sauce’s flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, add chopped fresh tomatoes or use marinara sauce instead.

Ricotta Cheese & Egg: The egg helps bind the ricotta layer so it isn’t runny. For a dairy-free version, try a tofu-based ricotta or blended cottage cheese substitute.

Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella creates that beautiful stretchy cheese pull, and Parmesan adds sharpness. Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for different cheese notes.

How to Layer and Bake Lasagna for Perfect Texture?

Layering is key to lasagna’s great taste and consistency. Here’s how I like to do it:

• Start with a thin layer of sauce on the dish bottom to keep noodles from sticking.
• Lay down noodles so they slightly overlap, then spread ricotta mixture evenly.
• Add mozzarella and a bit more meat sauce before repeating layers—it ensures each bite is balanced.
• Cover with foil when baking to trap moisture and prevent cheese burning.
• Remove foil near the end to let the cheese brown beautifully and bubble up.

After baking, give the lasagna 10-15 minutes to rest. This helps it set up, so it slices cleanly and holds together well. I always find this step important for serving neat pieces.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the lasagna evenly.
• Large skillet – great for browning the meat and simmering the sauce in one pan.
• Large pot – to boil the lasagna noodles without sticking.
• Mixing bowl – for combining ricotta cheese and egg smoothly.
• Aluminum foil – helps keep moisture in while baking and prevents cheese from burning.
• Ladle or large spoon – useful for spreading sauce evenly over layers.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter lasagna.
• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra veggies and flavor.
• Mix in shredded provolone or fontina cheese with mozzarella for a different melt and taste.
• Try adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for a little spicy or warm note.

How to Make Homemade Lasagna?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the noodles and making the sauce. Then, you’ll bake the lasagna for 50 minutes plus 10-15 minutes of resting time before serving. Overall, expect around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles:

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until they’re al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a piece of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Add the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and mix until smooth and creamy. This will help bind the cheese layer nicely.

5. Assemble the Lasagna:

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to keep the noodles from sticking. Lay 3 to 4 noodles on top of the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella, and then spoon a third of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a topping of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning—spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray if you’d like. Bake the lasagna covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Rest and Serve:

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This helps it set up so it slices cleanly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely, fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy this classic, comforting dish with family and friends!

Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Regular Ones?

Yes, no-boil noodles are a convenient option! Just layer them straight into the dish without pre-cooking. You may want to add a little extra sauce to ensure they absorb enough moisture while baking.

How Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?

Simply skip the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute to keep that hearty flavor.

Can I Prepare Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s very cold.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil or microwave until heated through.