Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade lasagna to bring comfort to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a special occasion, or prepping meals for the week, this classic Italian dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel (or ricotta), and plenty of melted cheese, every bite is pure satisfaction.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious lasagna recipe that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Let’s get cooking!

Recipe Overview

• Servings: 8-10 people
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Cuisine: Italian

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Colander
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil
• Kitchen towels

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons red wine (optional)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and red wine (if using). Season with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on kitchen towels to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

4. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

• First Layer: Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
• Second Layer: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Add 1 cup of meat sauce and spread evenly.
• Third Layer: Place 4 more noodles over the sauce. Spread remaining ricotta mixture and sprinkle with another 1/3 of mozzarella. Add 1 cup of meat sauce.
• Final Layer: Top with remaining 4 noodles, remaining meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake the Lasagna

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

• Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the noodles – they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Al dente is perfect.
• Layer Strategy: Start and end with sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out during baking.
• Cheese Distribution: Save some mozzarella for the top layer to create that perfect golden, bubbly finish.
• Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest after baking – this crucial step prevents a messy, sauce-running disaster when you cut into it.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• White Sauce Lasagna: Substitute meat sauce with a creamy béchamel or alfredo sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Version: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, lean ground turkey, and add extra vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

This homemade lasagna recipe brings authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table with layers of perfectly seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this classic comfort food never disappoints. The combination of quality ingredients and proper technique creates a lasagna that rivals any Italian restaurant.