If you’ve ever craved the ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together, look no further than The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe. This classic Italian dish combines layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled between tender noodles. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that hug your soul and make every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this lasagna never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the hearty meat sauce to the luscious cheese mix, creating layers bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich, savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- ½ lb ground pork: Adds extra juiciness and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 cup onion (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and aromatic foundation to the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses bold flavor that brightens the entire recipe.
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, smooth layer that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles: Essential sturdy pasta base that cooks perfectly layered in the sauce.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into golden, stringy goodness that every lasagna needs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing the richness of the meat mixture.
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes: The heart of the tomato sauce, delivering freshness and acidity.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding depth and body.
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Balances out the tomato’s acidity for a perfectly rounded sauce.
- ½ tsp dried basil: Delivers classic Italian herb notes that elevate the sauce.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Adds earthiness and complexity.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance and harmonize all ingredients.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for creamy, stable layers.
- ¼ tsp dried basil: Mixed with ricotta for an extra herbaceous touch.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, salty finish and beautiful golden crust.
How to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they soften and become fragrant, which creates a flavorful base for your meat sauce. Then, add the ground beef and pork, cooking until the meat is nicely browned. This combination ensures a rich and juicy sauce. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer
While the sauce simmers, combine the full-fat ricotta cheese with a beaten large egg, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This creamy mixture will add a smooth, mellow layer to your lasagna while the egg helps it set perfectly during baking, preventing the cheese from becoming runny.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to keep noodles from sticking. Layer three uncooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce—no need to pre-cook the noodles, as they’ll soften in the oven. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat the layering with sauce, noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella, ending with the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Each layer builds toward that iconic cheesy, saucy, and comforting lasagna experience.
Step 4: Bake Your Lasagna
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the moisture inside to cook the noodles until tender. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes. The top should bubble vigorously and turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the lasagna cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and ensuring each serving holds together beautifully.
How to Serve The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over each serving just before plating. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top can also add a lovely shine and subtle fruitiness. For those who love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice touch without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cut through the richness of the lasagna perfectly. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is another favorite, offering crunchy texture and buttery garlic flavor that complement every lasagna bite. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus also work wonderfully to balance the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual lasagna portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties. You can also sprinkle different cheeses like provolone or fontina into the layers for a unique flavor profile. Lastly, topping with fresh greens like arugula adds a peppery bite that brightens up the dish without stealing the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe makes fantastic leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find the next-day lasagna even more delicious.
Freezing
This lasagna is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Wrap the entire assembled but unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge for best results. Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. If reheating refrigerated leftovers, microwave or oven heat works well, but covering loosely with foil helps retain moisture and keeps the top from drying out.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before layering?
No, this recipe uses uncooked noodles because the sauce and baking process provide enough moisture for the noodles to soften perfectly in the oven, saving you a step and a bit of fuss.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian twist that still delivers robust flavor and satisfying texture.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a slightly different texture or use béchamel sauce for a creamier, silkier layer. Just keep in mind that ricotta adds a signature lightness and creaminess to this lasagna.
How spicy is the lasagna with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the sauce without making it spicy-hot. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference or omit entirely if you prefer mild flavors.
Can I prepare this lasagna a day ahead?
Yes, assembling the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerating it before baking actually allows the flavors to meld even more. Just bring it to room temperature before baking and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner or simply indulge in a hearty, soulful meal, The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a dish filled with love, layers of flavor, and the kind of comfort only home cooking can provide. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this delightful culinary tradition—you’ll never want to order out again!
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The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic homemade lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Made with ground beef and pork, fresh garlic and onions, and a blend of Italian herbs, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture and Additional Layers
- 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Meat and Simmer Sauce: Add ground beef and pork to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking apart the meat evenly. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce gently for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble First Layers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange three uncooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce.
- Layer Cheese and Sauce: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with three noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, one-third of mozzarella, and meat sauce. Finish with the last three noodles, remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Once baking is complete, let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set for easier serving and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Do not pre-cook the lasagna noodles; layering uncooked noodles directly works well as they cook in the sauce during baking.
- For a spicier flavor, increase red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Letting the dish rest before serving ensures cleaner slices.
- Use full-fat cheeses for creamier texture and richer flavor.
