This best homemade lasagna recipe creates perfect layers of pasta, cheese sauce, and meat sauce. The best homemade lasagna recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, perfectly cooked noodles. Easier than you think.
Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Perfect balance of meat, cheese, pasta in every bite. Rich meat sauce with Italian herbs. Three cheeses create creamy, melty layers. Hold together when sliced.
Feeds 8-10 people. Tastes better the next day. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, family dinners. Economical and convenient.
Thick, rich meat sauce (not watery). Fresh basil and oregano add authentic flavor. Garlic and onions provide an aromatic base. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan work together perfectly.
How to Make Lasagna
Meat Sauce
Brown ground beef, add onions and garlic. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasonings. Add a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 30+ minutes.
Cheese Filling
Mix ricotta, beaten egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Should be creamy and spreadable.
Noodles
Boil until al dente. Rinse with cool water. Lay flat on a towel. Or use no-boil noodles.
Assembly
- Thin sauce layer on bottom of 9×13 dish
- Layer: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce
- Repeat layers
- Top: noodles, sauce, lots of mozzarella
Pro Tip to Prevent Cheese Sticking
Spray foil with cooking spray on side touching cheese. Prevents cheese from sticking. Or tent foil so it doesn’t touch cheese. Remove foil and last 10-15 minutes to brown.
Cover noodles completely with sauce on top. Let rest 15 minutes after baking before cutting. Allow layers to set.
What Cheese is Best for Lasagna?
Classic Three-Cheese
- Ricotta: Creamy base. Use whole milk ricotta.
- Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, creates cheese pulls. Whole milk best.
- Parmesan: Sharp, nutty flavor. Freshly grated.
Alternatives
Cottage cheese (lighter), provolone (smoky), fontina (buttery), mascarpone (extra creamy), Romano (sharp).
What to Serve with Lasagna
Sides:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad with Italian dressing
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Sautéed green beans
- Steamed broccoli
Drinks:
Red wine (Chianti)
white wine (Pinot Grigio)
sparkling water
iced tea
How to Reheat Lasagna
Oven (Best):
350°F
covered with foil
20-30 minutes
Remove foil last 5 minutes.
Microwave (Quick):
Medium power
2-3 minutes
Cover to prevent drying.
How to Freeze Lasagna
Before Baking: Assemble, wrap tightly, freeze 3 months. Bake from frozen, add 30-45 minutes.
After Baking: Cool completely, wrap portions individually, freeze 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Easy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp parsley
- Salt and pepper
Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 3 cups mozzarella, shredded
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- Brown beef. Add onion, garlic, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, paste, seasonings, and sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper.
- Preheat the oven 375°F.
- Spread sauce in a 9×13 dish.
- Layer: noodles, half ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, sauce.
- Repeat layers.
- Top: noodles, sauce, remaining mozzarella, Parmesan.
- Cover with sprayed foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest 15 minutes. Cut and serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
Per serving (8 servings):
520 calories,
35g protein
42g carbs
22g fat
Conclusion
Best homemade lasagna with perfect layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. Straightforward recipe with consistent results. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
FAQs
Can I make ahead?
Yes. Assemble 24 hours ahead, refrigerate. Or freeze for 3 months.
Do I cook noodles first?
Traditional noodles, yes. No-boil noodles go straight in. I need enough sauce.
Why is it watery?
Sauce too thin or noodles release water. Use thick sauce, drain noodles well. Rest 15 minutes after baking.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work. Adjust seasonings.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerate 3-5 days. Freeze 2-3 months.
