Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Let’s talk comfort food at its absolute best. Homemade Lasagna is the classic Italian-American dish everyone craves, with silky ribbons of pasta, a luscious, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and an irresistible blanket of melted cheese. Making it at home is not only genuinely satisfying, it’s shockingly approachable and endlessly rewarding. In this recipe, we’ll walk through each step together—so you can turn simple ingredients into a showstopping pan of Homemade Lasagna that’ll win over any table you bring it to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of authentic Homemade Lasagna comes from humble ingredients, each one chosen for maximum flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what you need, plus a few tips for getting the most out of each component.

• No-boil lasagna noodles (12): These cut prep time and yield tender layers—just be sure to cover every edge with sauce so they cook evenly.
• Ricotta cheese (2 cups, 16 ounce tub): Provides creamy richness and that classic Italian flavor—go for whole milk ricotta if you can.
• Mozzarella cheese (4 cups shredded, about 12 ounces): Melts melt perfectly, creating irresistible cheesy layers—shred your own for best texture.
• Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Adds salty, nutty notes and browns beautifully on top for that golden finish.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Gives depth to your sauce and helps the vegetables release all their flavor.
• Yellow onion (1 medium, diced small): A gentle sweetness that’s the backbone of your tomato sauce.
• Garlic cloves (3, minced): Nothing says Homemade Lasagna like the fragrant waft of fresh garlic as you sauté.
• Lean ground beef (1 pound): Forms that savory, hearty base that makes every bite substantial and satisfying.
• Crushed tomatoes (1, 28 ounce can): Gives body and tang to your sauce—choose a high-quality brand for the richest flavor.
• Tomato sauce (1, 15 ounce can): Adds a silkier consistency and helps everything meld together.
• Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of oregano, basil, and more, making things aromatic and unmistakably Italian.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten up all the other flavors without being overpowering.

How to Make Homemade Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish

Start by generously greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a slick of olive oil. This keeps your Homemade Lasagna from sticking and ensures every cheesy edge comes out clean, ready for scooping. Set that dish aside—you’ll be layering in just a bit!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic for the Sauce

In a large, high-sided skillet, pour in your olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion first, cooking until it turns soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for another minute, just until fragrant. This is where the base of your tomato sauce gets all its flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add in the ground beef, breaking it up with the back of a spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, moving it around regularly, until most of the pink is gone and you’re left with savory little crumbles that will tuck perfectly between your pasta layers.

Step 4: Simmer the Meat Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle over the Italian seasoning and salt. Stir everything together, then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce bubble away for 15 minutes—the flavors will meld and intensify, but don’t worry if the meat isn’t completely cooked through yet. It’ll finish in the oven.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

While your sauce is working its magic, preheat the oven to 375°F. This makes sure your Homemade Lasagna bakes evenly and is bubbly and hot all the way through.

Step 6: Layer the Lasagna

Spread one and a half cups of your savory sauce across the bottom of your casserole dish. This keeps the first layer of noodles nice and tender, ensuring they bake up perfectly every time.

Step 7: Build the Cheesy Layers

Lay down 3 no-boil lasagna noodles side by side, then spread over a heaping half cup of ricotta. Spoon on one and a half cups of meat sauce, followed by a generous cup of mozzarella and a quarter cup of parmesan. If you’re feeling generous, don’t be shy—the extra cheese is always a hit!

Step 8: Repeat for Gorgeous Layers

Go ahead and repeat the noodle-ricotta-sauce-mozzarella-parmesan routine two more times. Every layer bakes up with its own personality—saucy, creamy, melty, and totally irresistible.

Step 9: Finish with a Showstopping Top

For the grand finale, top with your last 3 noodles, any ricotta you have left, all the remaining sauce, a hearty blast of mozzarella, and finish with that last half cup of parmesan. This top layer turns beautifully golden in the oven!

Step 10: Cover and Bake

Grease one side of a large piece of foil and use it to cover your pan (greased side down). This keeps the cheese from sticking. Bake your Homemade Lasagna for 40 minutes, letting everything meld and the no-boil noodles soften up perfectly.

Step 11: Uncover and Brown

Crank your oven up to 450°F, take the foil off, and let it bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This is when you get those bubbly, golden cheesy edges that practically beg you to sneak a bite.

Step 12: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This little wait is the secret to clean, gorgeous layers that hold together—and it’s worth every second!

How to Serve Homemade Lasagna

Garnishes

For that fresh-off-the-table flourish, scatter a handful of chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley over each slice. A little extra parmesan or even a dash of crushed red pepper adds color and a pop of flavor that guests just love.

Side Dishes

Nothing rounds out a plate of Homemade Lasagna like a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. Fresh garlic bread or focaccia are must-haves for mopping up sauce, and a simple roasted veggie like broccoli or zucchini adds brightness and texture alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make Homemade Lasagna really stand out, try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes, or cut the lasagna into squares and stack them like towers. Garnish each stack with a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Lasagna actually gets better with time! Cover leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and the texture stays dreamy, making next-day lunches extra special.

Freezing

Lasagna freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap the whole casserole or individual slices first in plastic wrap and then in foil. Pop in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your lasagna and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, 25-30 minutes for a whole pan or about 10 minutes per slice. For a crispier top, uncover for the last few minutes. The microwave also works well for single servings on busy days.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pasta sheets for this lasagna?

Absolutely! Homemade pasta takes lasagna to another level. Just be sure to roll the sheets thin and pre-cook briefly if you want really tender layers. The texture is truly special and worth the extra step if you have time.

Is there a good substitute for ricotta cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese is a classic substitute and works beautifully here. For a twist, try blending it until smooth for a creamier consistency, or mix with a bit of mascarpone for extra richness.

Can I make Homemade Lasagna vegetarian?

Of course! Simply skip the beef and build your sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. Adding lentils or plant-based crumbles also gives a hearty, satisfying bite without meat.

How do I keep the lasagna from getting watery?

Letting it rest after baking is crucial—this allows the sauce to set up and prevents liquid from pooling. Using no-boil noodles also helps absorb additional moisture in the pan, keeping layers distinct instead of soggy.

Can I assemble Homemade Lasagna in advance?

Yes! Assemble your lasagna up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature first, or add a little extra baking time if it’s still cold. This makes entertaining a breeze!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes bring people together like a bubbling pan of Homemade Lasagna. Every step is a simple pleasure, from layering creamy cheese to savoring the golden, gooey first slice. If you haven’t yet made it from scratch, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with the process and the delicious results. Enjoy sharing it with your family and friends!

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