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A full lasagna in a white ceramic dish on a wooden table, surrounded by fresh ingredients and natural light.
Allison Dennison

Homemade Lasagna

This classic homemade lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. Packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a must-try for any Italian food lover!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Cloves of garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces Can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 Lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 1 Large egg
  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Saucepan – For preparing the meat sauce.
  • Mixing Bowls – To mix the ricotta cheese filling and other ingredients.
  • 1 9x13-inch Baking Dish – For assembling and baking the lasagna.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the sauce and layering the lasagna.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure ingredients accurately.
  • 1 Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
  • 1 Large Pot – To boil the lasagna noodles (if not using no-boil noodles).
  • 1 Colander – To drain the cooked noodles.
  • 1 Aluminum Foil – To cover the lasagna during baking to prevent the top from over-browning.
  • 1 Oven Mitts: For safely handling the hot baking dish.
  • 1 Kitchen Timer – To ensure perfect cooking times.
  • 1 Serving Spatula – For cutting and serving the lasagna.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg until well mixed.
  6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
  7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage for Homemade Lasagna

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade lasagna is perfect for making ahead, whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party. Here’s how:
  1. Assemble Ahead: Fully assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
  2. Freeze for Later: To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 30–40 minutes to the baking time.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your lasagna stays fresh and delicious for leftovers:
  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover baked lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
  2. Freezing Leftovers: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers or wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to reheat single servings when needed.
  3. Reheating Tips: To reheat in the oven, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
With these tips, your lasagna will be ready to enjoy whenever you need it, whether freshly baked or straight from the freezer!