If you’ve ever wished for the perfect comforting meal that brings family and friends together around the table, look no further than this Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe. Layer upon layer of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and freshly grated parmesan meld beautifully with tender noodles to create a dish that is timeless, hearty, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or the star of a celebratory dinner, this lasagna brings warmth and satisfaction in every cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish starts with simple but carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find that these familiar staples come together beautifully, proving how classic flavors can shine with quality and care.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding subtle richness to the sauce base.
- Onion (medium, chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic foundation to the meat sauce.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty, meaty depth that’s essential for a satisfying lasagna.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Infuses the sauce with bright, herbal notes and a touch of savory spice.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The vibrant tomato base that carries all the flavors and gives the sauce its gorgeous color.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds richness and helps keep the sauce luscious and thick.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Brings a punch of aromatic sharpness that complements the tomato and meat perfectly.
- White sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a harmonious sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon total): A fragrant mix that layers in earthy herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance every flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the cheese mixture for perfect slicing.
- Shredded mozzarella (2 cups, plus extra for topping): Melts beautifully into stringy, golden layers of cheese.
- Whole milk ricotta (15 ounces): Creamy and mild, it balances the robust flavors of the sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan (1 cup): Delivers sharp, nutty notes that enrich the cheese filling.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a burst of fresh green flavor in the cheese layer and as garnish.
- Uncooked lasagna noodles (12): The sturdy but tender sheets that hold all the deliciousness together.
How to Make Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant, then add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns. After draining off most of the fat but keeping a bit for flavor, stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the sauce to a bubble, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally until thick and luscious.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
While your sauce simmers, whisk your egg in a large bowl. Add the ricotta, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined into a creamy, delightful mixture that will form the cheesy layers of your lasagna.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third section to ensure even baking and browning of the cheese topping.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles thoroughly but do not rinse them; they’ll hold their texture better for stacking. Lay the noodles separately on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking as they cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna
Now the fun part begins! Spread a cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch deep casserole dish. Layer 4 noodles on top, overlapping slightly. Spread half of your cheese mixture across the noodles, then spoon on approximately one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat: 4 more noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, another one-third of the meat sauce, and the final 4 noodles. Top this last noodle layer with the remaining meat sauce and finish by generously sprinkling the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 20 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown. For an extra golden top, broil for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow your lasagna to rest for 15 minutes. This crucial step lets everything firm up so it slices beautifully without falling apart. Garnish with more chopped parsley and fresh basil if desired, cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy every comforting bite of your Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe.
How to Serve Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring a lively pop of green and a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the lasagna. A light sprinkle on top just before serving adds that extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cut through the creamy layers. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel even more complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, try layering the lasagna into individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This not only looks charming but makes serving easier at gatherings. You can also sprinkle different cheeses like provolone or fontina on top for a unique flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is famously great as leftovers because the flavors deepen overnight. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Prepare the lasagna fully but don’t bake it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months, perfect for a make-ahead meal when you need comfort food ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your lasagna slices with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last five minutes. For microwave reheating, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe?
Yes! No-boil noodles make the process easier by skipping the boiling step. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce since these noodles absorb more moisture while baking.
Is it necessary to use both ground beef and Italian sausage?
Using both adds layers of flavor—the beef brings hearty richness while the sausage offers seasoning and a subtle spice. However, you can use just one if you prefer simplicity.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a common substitute that makes for a lighter filling, but opt for full-fat versions to keep the creaminess that defines this recipe.
How long does it take to make this lasagna from start to finish?
The active prep takes about 20 minutes, but the sauce simmers for 30 minutes plus 50 minutes of baking, totaling roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. Definitely worth every minute for the final delicious payoff!
Can I make Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that’s still satisfying and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe is a true celebration of Italian comfort food that anyone can make with confidence. Its rich layers and harmonious flavors have a way of turning an ordinary night into something special. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of crafting a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Classic Homemade Lasagna is a hearty Italian favorite featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, combining savory beef and sausage with a blend of cheeses and Italian seasonings in a slow-simmered tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (packed) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Garnish: fresh basil and chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté and Brown Meat: In a pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped onion for about 4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Drain most of the fat, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
- Make Meat Sauce: To the browned meat, add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, white sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low-medium, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the sauce simmers, beat the large egg in a large bowl with a fork. Add shredded mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third.
- Cook Noodles: About 15-20 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain without rinsing, then lay the hot noodles on parchment paper individually to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange 4 noodles overlapping slightly on top. Spread half the cheese mixture over the noodles, then spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat layers with another 4 noodles, remaining cheese mixture, and 1/3 meat sauce. Add the last 4 noodles, top with remaining meat sauce, and finish with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes. Optional: Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese on top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna sit for 15 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and basil if desired. Cut into squares and serve. Season with extra salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be spicy or mild depending on your preference; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Do not rinse noodles after boiling to preserve the starch that helps the layers bind together.
- Resting the lasagna before serving is crucial for easier slicing and better texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Make ahead tip: The assembled lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
