The Best Homemade Lasagna
The Best Homemade Lasagna is a wonderful classic comfort food that brings layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful meat or veggies all together in…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Best Homemade Lasagna is a wonderful classic comfort food that brings layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful meat or veggies all together in one hearty dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with every bite full of satisfying textures and tastes.
Whenever I make this lasagna, I love taking my time layering everything just right—spreading the sauce, adding plenty of cheese, and making sure those noodles are cooked perfectly. I find that letting it bake slowly in the oven makes all the flavors blend together beautifully. It’s a bit of work, but it’s so worth it when you see everyone’s eyes light up as they dig in.
Serving lasagna is always special because it’s great for feeding a crowd or just enjoying leftovers the next day. I like pairing it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to balance all the richness. This dish has a way of bringing people around the table and sparking good conversation, making it not just food, but a lovely shared experience.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: I like using regular dried noodles, boiled al dente to avoid mushiness. No-boil noodles are a time-saver but need more sauce to cook properly.
Ground beef and pork: Combining beef and pork gives a rich flavor and moist texture, but use all beef or turkey for a leaner option.
Tomato sauce and paste: These create the deep tomato flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, add some crushed fresh tomatoes or use marinara.
Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer adds softness. For a lighter twist, substitute part or all of ricotta with cottage cheese, but drain it well first.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds savory depth. Using freshly grated cheese always tastes better than pre-shredded.
How Do I Get Perfect Layers Without the Lasagna Turning Watery?
Balancing moisture is key so your lasagna layers hold well.
- Cook noodles al dente—not too soft—then lay them flat on a greased sheet to keep them from sticking.
- Simmer the sauce long enough to thicken so it’s not too runny.
- Mix the ricotta with an egg; it helps bind the cheese and prevents it from weeping out.
- Don’t overload with sauce or cheese in each layer; thin, even layers give the best texture.
- Cover with foil during the first half of baking to trap steam, then uncover to brown the cheese top without drying out your lasagna.
Give it time to rest after baking; this helps everything settle so your slices come out neat and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or saucepan – perfect for cooking the meat sauce evenly without crowding.
- Large pot – to boil your lasagna noodles just right.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – ideal size for layering and baking the lasagna evenly.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the ricotta cheese and egg smoothly.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the lasagna moist while baking and prevents cheese from burning.
- Slotted spoon or spatula – for handling noodles and scooping sauce without making a mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef/pork for a lighter, milder meat sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta layer for extra veggies and earthiness.
- Mix parmesan with pecorino cheese for a sharper, more complex flavor.
- Stir fresh chopped basil or oregano into the ricotta mixture for a herby twist.
The Best Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly and Topping:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This homemade lasagna takes around 45-60 minutes to prepare, which includes making the meat sauce and prepping the noodles and cheese mixture. Baking takes about 50 minutes, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for resting before serving. Plan for about 2 hours total to enjoy the best texture and flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the ground beef and ground pork (if using), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, fresh or dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens nicely.
2. Cook the Noodles and Prepare Cheese Mixture:
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well until smooth and set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce evenly on the bottom.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Add a generous layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce) two more times or until you use all your ingredients. Finish with a top layer of noodles, sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking if you like).
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Boiling Them?
Yes, no-boil noodles can be a great time-saver! Just be sure to add a little extra sauce to keep them moist as they cook in the oven, and layer them evenly so they cook through completely.
How Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef and pork with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I Prepare Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge—add a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.