The Best Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe You’ll Crave Forever

Layers of rich, savory flavors define this classic homemade lasagna that brings memories flooding back.

Pasta sheets nestled between robust meat sauce create a comforting masterpiece.

Melted cheese bubbles promise incredible depth and warmth with every bite.

Generations have cherished this hearty Italian dish for its incredible complexity.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Authentic techniques merge with simple cooking methods to craft something extraordinary.

You’ll find this recipe connects culinary tradition with pure deliciousness.

Dive into this incredible meal that promises to become your new family favorite.

Lasagna That Stays Cheesy, Meaty, and Classic

• Comfort Food Champion: This lasagna delivers ultimate comfort with layers of rich, meaty sauce and creamy cheese that wrap you in warmth and nostalgia.
• Weekend Cooking Adventure: Perfect weekend project that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular meal, making cooking feel like a delightful culinary experience.
• Family Feast Favorite: Crowd-pleasing dish that serves multiple people, brings everyone together around the table, and creates memorable shared moments during meals.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Easily prepared in advance, refrigerated, or frozen, offering flexible meal planning for busy households without sacrificing delicious homemade taste.

Classic Lasagna (Homemade) Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Classic protein with rich, hearty flavor for substantial meat sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and traditional Italian taste, choose mild or spicy version.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for filling, provides smooth texture and mild flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates golden, stretchy cheese layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps create crispy cheese topping.
• Egg: Binds ricotta mixture and provides structure to the cheese layer.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Foundation of meat sauce with bright, fresh tomato flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and smoothness to sauce base.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Onions: Sweet base for meat sauce with aromatic undertones.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor to enhance sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herb for fresh, bright garnish.

• Lasagna Noodles: Traditional pasta layer, can be traditional or no-boil type.

Lasagna Classic Layered Bake

Step 1: Unleash the Flavor Explosion

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.

Let the meat sizzle and release its delicious juices.

• Ground beef
• Italian sausage

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Toss in the onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften in the pan.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Watch as they transform and release their incredible aroma.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato ingredients and spices, creating a sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

Blend the ricotta mixture with precision and love.

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Fresh basil or parsley

Mix until smooth and irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodle Foundation

If using traditional noodles, boil them until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Layer Like a Culinary Artist

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to create magic.

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce as your canvas.

• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Meat sauce
• Shredded mozzarella

Repeat these layers, finishing with a crowning glory of cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes – this is crucial for perfect slicing.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Slice into this masterpiece and watch as everyone falls in love with your incredible homemade lasagna!

Easy Layering Tips for Classic Lasagna

• Blend ground beef with Italian sausage for deeper flavor complexity, or swap for ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious protein profile.
• Ensure even distribution of sauce and cheese between noodle layers to prevent dry spots and create consistent, mouthwatering bites throughout the lasagna.
• Grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese for superior melting texture and richer taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Allow lasagna to sit 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting cleaner, preventing messy, runny servings.
• Prepare lasagna ahead and freeze unbaked, covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil to preserve freshness for up to three months, perfect for meal planning.

Homemade Lasagna Stored Right

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.

Lasagna Friendly Side Pairings

• Elevate Wine and Dine: Pair robust red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese with this hearty lasagna to complement the rich meat sauce and enhance the tomato flavors.
• Harmony on the Plate: Select a crisp Italian side salad with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the lasagna's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra sauce and add delightful texture to the meal.
• Perfect Palate Cleanser: Offer a light, citrusy dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta to conclude the dining experience with a refreshing touch.

Homemade Lasagna Traditional Versions

• Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna: Replace ground meat with layers of grilled eggplant slices, using marinara sauce and extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Lasagna: Substitute traditional pasta with thin zucchini strips, using gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Lasagna: Create layers using thinly sliced cauliflower instead of pasta noodles, maintaining the classic cheese and sauce combination while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Lasagna: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew ricotta, incorporate more herbs like oregano, and add roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a rich, creamy texture without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even make a vegetarian version with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like zucchini and spinach.

• Is it okay to make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain excess grease from the meat, let the meat sauce simmer to reduce liquid, and avoid using watery ricotta. You can also strain ricotta cheese through a cheesecloth to remove extra moisture before mixing.

• Can I freeze this lasagna?

Definitely! Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layers of savory “classic homemade lasagna” create a symphony of Italian comfort on your plate. Melted cheese, rich marinara, and tender pasta merge into a delicious masterpiece that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

Tomato Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounces) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Noodle Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• 12 lasagna noodles (boiled or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef and Italian sausage into a robust foundation by browning them thoroughly in a spacious skillet, ensuring excess fat is meticulously drained away.
2. Infuse aromatic depth by incorporating finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
3. Construct a vibrant sauce by integrating crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, complemented with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, developing complex flavors through occasional stirring, approximately 20-30 minutes until it reaches a rich, concentrated consistency.
5. Prepare a creamy ricotta blend by whisking ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, delicate salt, and chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley until uniformly combined.
6. If utilizing traditional lasagna noodles, cook them in rapidly boiling water until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and set aside for layering.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease to prevent sticking.
8. Establish a protective base layer of meat sauce across the dish’s bottom to prevent noodles from adhering.
9. Construct strategic layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella, repeating until ingredients are exhausted.
10. Conclude the layering with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating an enticing golden crust.
11. Shield the lasagna with aluminum foil, baking for 25 minutes to ensure even heat distribution.
12. Uncover and continue baking an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
13. Allow the lasagna to rest and settle for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and facilitating cleaner slicing.

Notes

• Adjust meat sauce spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Swap ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for vegetarian options.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium tomato products and less added salt.
• Pat ricotta cheese dry with paper towels to prevent watery lasagna texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg