Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Homemade Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. The layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese are a winning combination. With simple ingredients, this lasagna is made from scratch but doesn’t take all day to prepare. Plus, the recipe is forgiving—feel free to adjust the cheese or sauce to suit your preferences. Whether it’s for a family dinner or special occasion, this lasagna will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Noodles and Cheese Topping:
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 36 ounces pasta sauce (see note)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg (beaten)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water, and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), parsley, egg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Finish with the last 3 noodles and the remaining sauce.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If desired, broil the top for 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy finish.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period helps it maintain its shape and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and enjoy: After resting, slice and serve this hearty, flavorful lasagna!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 12 servings.
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Resting time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the meat and use more vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also replace the ground beef with plant-based meat for a vegan option.
- Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra layer of mozzarella or Parmesan between the layers of lasagna for a cheesier result.
- Make It Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different Meat: You can substitute the beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this lasagna.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the whole lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes if baking directly from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Assemble the lasagna, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding additional time if necessary.
3. Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles for a quicker prep. Just be sure to add a bit more sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly as they absorb the moisture during baking.
4. Can I make the cheese mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
5. What type of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought marinara or pasta sauce. For a more homemade touch, try a tomato-based sauce with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for added flavor.
6. Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese can be replaced with cottage cheese if preferred. You can also use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly different flavor and texture.
7. How can I make this lasagna spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular sausage for a spicy twist.
8. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella can be used in place of shredded mozzarella. Just be sure to drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
9. Can I add extra vegetables to the lasagna?
Yes, you can add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a more vegetable-packed lasagna.
10. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check the sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Lasagna is a timeless, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making dinner for your family, this lasagna is a simple and delicious choice that everyone will love!
Easy Homemade Lasagna
This Easy Homemade Lasagna is a comforting and delicious dish with layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd or a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
¾ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
½ pound lean ground beef
½ pound Italian sausage
1 yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
36 ounces pasta sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water, and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Add the pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), parsley, egg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce. Finish with the last 3 noodles and the remaining sauce.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If desired, broil the top for 2-3 minutes to get an extra crispy finish.
- Rest before serving: Let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period helps it maintain its shape and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve and enjoy: After resting, slice and serve this hearty, flavorful lasagna!
Notes
For a vegetarian lasagna, omit the meat and use more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
If you prefer a cheesier lasagna, add an extra layer of mozzarella or Parmesan between the noodles.
To make the lasagna spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the meat sauce.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
You can make the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add extra baking time if cooking from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
