Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIf you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and loaded with cheesy, saucy goodness, this Homemade Lasagna is it. With layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta, it’s pure comfort food that feels special enough for holidays but simple enough for weeknights.
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I love this lasagna recipe because it’s easy to prep ahead. I usually build it the night before I need it, store it in the fridge, and then just pop it in the oven the next day. Sometimes, I batch-cook and make one for the freezer. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and even picky eaters will clean their plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make This Easy Lasagna Recipe with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
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I’ve made it really easy for you to make the perfect homemade lasagna, all you need to do is to follow these simple steps.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat and drizzle in your olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and garlic and let them sizzle for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells amazing.
Brown the Beef
Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, so you don’t end up with big chunks. Let it cook through until there’s no pink left.
Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let the sauce simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes.
This gives the flavors a chance to come together and get that rich, hearty taste.
Mix the Ricotta Filling
While the sauce is bubbling away, grab a small bowl and mix the ricotta, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
You want this mixture nice and creamy because it’ll add that rich, cheesy goodness to each layer of your lasagna.
Layer It Up
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, start layering with the precooked lasagna noodles, followed by the sauce, and then the ricotta mixture.
Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. The smell will make it hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Serve and Enjoy
Top it off with some fresh basil or a sprinkle of parsley, and serve it up while it’s hot.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some extra tips so that you can make sure that you make the perfect lasagna for you.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente (firm to the bite). This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy when baked with the sauce. Undercooking just slightly will allow the noodles to absorb the moisture from the sauce without losing their texture.
- Sauce for Depth of Flavor: Simmering the sauce for at least 20 minutes allows the tomatoes, beef, and herbs to come together and develop a deep, robust flavor. If you have extra time, let it simmer longer for an even richer taste.
- Layering for Even Cooking: Spread the sauce and ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles in each layer. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Don’t overfill each layer, as it might spill over while baking.
- Customizable Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy top, you can mix mozzarella with Parmesan. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, gooey texture, while the Parmesan gives it a sharp, golden crust. If you love extra cheese, add a bit more to the top layer.
- Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can take your lasagna to the next level. Sprinkling them on after baking gives a burst of freshness and color that contrasts nicely with the richness of the dish.
- Let It Rest Before Cutting: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting your lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to settle and firm up. This makes it easier to cut neat slices and prevents the fillings from spilling out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Leave a little space at the top of your baking dish. As the lasagna bakes, the sauce will bubble, and having some space prevents it from spilling over the edges and making a mess in your oven.
- Make It Ahead for Easy Meals: Lasagna is one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time. You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or hosting guests.
How to Store Leftover Lasagna
To store your leftover lasagna, let it cool completely first—this helps prevent sogginess when you reheat it later. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy later.
If you want to save it for another day, freezing is the way to go. Cut the lasagna into portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can just grab and reheat one serving at a time whenever the lasagna craving hits. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from the freezer. In the oven, just bake it at 180°C (350°F) until it’s hot and bubbly again. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta.
What to Serve with Lasagna
Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish, so pairing it with the right sides can create a balanced and satisfying meal.
A fresh, crisp salad is a classic option. Go for something simple, like mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, or get creative with a Caesar salad, topped with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan. The brightness and acidity of the dressing will complement the rich, cheesy lasagna.
Garlic bread is another must-have. Whether you opt for thick slices of buttery, garlicky French bread or homemade garlic knots, the crispy texture pairs perfectly with the soft layers of lasagna. Plus, it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
For a lighter side, roasted vegetables can round out the meal without making it too heavy. Roasting veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli adds a nice smoky flavor that contrasts well with the lasagna’s creamy, cheesy goodness.
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Ingredients
- 16 whole lasagna noodles pre-cooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 5 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
- 3 cups ricotta cheese grated
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil chopped
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining.1 ½ pounds ground beef
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, then reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.5 cups canned diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.3 tablespoons minced fresh basil, 3 cups ricotta cheese, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small baking dish, begin layering the lasagna. Start with a layer of precooked lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the sauce, and then a layer of the ricotta mixture. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a sprinkle of grated cheese on top.16 whole lasagna noodles, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
- Bake the lasagna for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with a golden brown color. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving with freshly chopped basil.Fresh basil
Notes
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the lasagna noodles until they’re al dente (firm to the bite). This prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy when baked with the sauce. Undercooking just slightly will allow the noodles to absorb the moisture from the sauce without losing their texture.
- Sauce for Depth of Flavor: Simmering the sauce for at least 20 minutes allows the tomatoes, beef, and herbs to come together and develop a deep, robust flavor. If you have extra time, let it simmer longer for an even richer taste.
- Layering for Even Cooking: Spread the sauce and ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles in each layer. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of noodles, sauce, and cheese. Don’t overfill each layer, as it might spill over while baking.
- Customizable Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy top, you can mix mozzarella with Parmesan. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, gooey texture, while the Parmesan gives it a sharp, golden crust. If you love extra cheese, add a bit more to the top layer.
- Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can take your lasagna to the next level. Sprinkling them on after baking gives a burst of freshness and color that contrasts nicely with the richness of the dish.
- Let It Rest Before Cutting: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting your lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to settle and firm up. This makes it easier to cut neat slices and prevents the fillings from spilling out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Leave a little space at the top of your baking dish. As the lasagna bakes, the sauce will bubble, and having some space prevents it from spilling over the edges and making a mess in your oven.
- Make It Ahead for Easy Meals: Lasagna is one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time. You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or hosting guests.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
I made the lasagnej this evening, delicious I also have enough for tomorrow. Winner.
That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks for trying it out, Jan!