Homemade Lasagna recipe

Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that's all about layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, nestled between tender pasta sheets. It’s the kind…

By Willow • November 9, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that’s all about layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, nestled between tender pasta sheets. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an amazing smell and makes everyone eager to sit down and eat together.

I love making lasagna from scratch because it gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the process. I like to take my time layering each part—it’s almost like building a delicious, cheesy masterpiece. Plus, it’s so satisfying to watch it bake until bubbly and golden on top.

One of my favorite ways to serve homemade lasagna is with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or when friends come over because it’s filling, comforting, and always gets rave reviews. This recipe is a great one to have on hand when you want to make people smile with a hearty, homemade meal.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground beef: This adds richness and depth. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well. You can also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.

Ricotta cheese: Gives creaminess and binds the layers. Cottage cheese can be a good substitute if you want it lighter or more affordable. Mixing in an egg helps it hold shape.

Lasagna noodles: Use no-boil noodles for convenience, or regular ones just make sure they’re cooked al dente so they don’t turn mushy.

Marinara sauce: A good quality tomato sauce is key for flavor. You can jazz it up by adding crushed red pepper or fresh herbs if you like.

Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully while Parmesan adds a sharp bite. If needed, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are tasty swaps for Parmesan.

How Can I Assemble Layers So My Lasagna Doesn’t Fall Apart?

Building your lasagna carefully helps it hold together well after baking. Here are some tips:

• Spread sauce thinly but evenly on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
• Use just enough cheese mixture between layers—too much can make it heavy and sloppy.
• Layer noodles gently, slightly overlapping them but not too thick to cook through evenly.
• Press down lightly on each layer to remove air pockets and help ingredients bind.
• After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting so it sets up nicely and slices cleanly.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot – for boiling the lasagna noodles perfectly without sticking.
• Large skillet – lets you cook the meat sauce evenly and brown the beef well.
• Mixing bowl – handy for combining the ricotta cheese and egg smoothly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – fits the layers just right and distributes heat evenly.
• Aluminum foil – helps keep moisture in while baking, so the top doesn’t dry out.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the sauce and layering ingredients carefully.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage – adds a spicy, richer flavor perfect for meat lovers.
• Mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms – boosts veggies and makes it more wholesome.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese – for a gooey, stretchy texture with a mild twist.
• Add a layer of sliced zucchini or eggplant – gives a fresh, light contrast to the hearty sauce.

How to Make Homemade Classic Lasagna

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture and Topping:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This lasagna will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes for letting it rest before serving, so it slices nicely and all the flavors come together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper or drizzle with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer on low for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors blend.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

4. 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. Lay down 3-4 noodles to cover the sauce. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then one third of the meat sauce, and sprinkle one third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

Finish by topping with the remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake and Rest:

Cover the dish with foil (to prevent cheese from sticking, spray the underside of the foil lightly or make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese). Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy homemade lasagna!

Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead?

Yes! No-boil noodles save time since you don’t need to pre-cook them. Just layer them directly with your sauce and cheese, making sure the sauce is a bit more generous to help soften the noodles as it bakes.

How Should I Store Leftover Lasagna?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in the same quantity. For a smoother texture, try blending the cottage cheese briefly before mixing it with the egg and Parmesan.