Homemade Lasagna Recipe – Classic, Cheesy & Irresistible!

This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the perfect blend of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this classic comfort food is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

With layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of cheese, this easy homemade lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna

the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Assembling the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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2. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

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3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and lay them flat on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.

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4. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread ½ cup meat sauce evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
4. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Add ¼ of the meat sauce and sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with noodles, meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

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5. Bake & Serve

1. Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm!

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Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna

Use whole milk ricotta – It makes the filling extra creamy.
Let the sauce simmer longer – This deepens the flavors.
Rest before slicing – It helps the layers set for easier serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the draining step – Excess liquid from the meat can make the lasagna watery.
Overcooking the pasta – Slightly undercooked noodles absorb the sauce better.
Not layering properly – Always start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.

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Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or focaccia for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add a side of homemade marinara or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel.

Freezing:

• Assemble and freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 2 months.
• Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
• Try different cheeses – Swap mozzarella for provolone or add ricotta with mascarpone.
• Use no-boil noodles – Saves time, but add extra sauce so they soften properly.

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What to Serve with Homemade Lasagna

• Classic Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Roasted asparagus or garlic butter green beans
• Warm dinner rolls or cheesy garlic bread

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Do I have to cook the noodles before baking?

If using regular lasagna noodles, yes. If using no-boil noodles, add extra sauce to soften them while baking.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain the meat well, avoid overloading with sauce, and let it rest before slicing.

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Conclusion

This Recipe is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served for family dinner, meal prep, or a holiday gathering, this classic Italian favorite is always a winner.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious pasta recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings).

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Serves: 8

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