Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Introduction
Classic homemade lasagna is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese come together to create a delicious crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (or enough for 3 layers)
- 500 g ground beef (or half beef, half sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook noodles in boiling salted water until just tender. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Make the meat sauce by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare the ricotta mixture by combining ricotta, egg, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Step 4: Assemble the lasagna in a baking dish starting with a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then ricotta mix, followed by meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat the layers twice more (three layers total). Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh basil or spinach to the ricotta mixture.
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer meat sauce.
- Make the lasagna a day ahead to allow flavors to meld; bake when ready.
- Try replacing ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the lasagna before baking by wrapping tightly; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work well and save time. Just be sure to have enough sauce and moisture so they cook properly during baking.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, the top is golden, and an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached if using a thermometer. Letting it rest helps it set for easier slicing.
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Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Homemade Lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden, bubbly finish, it’s a comforting Italian favorite ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 9 lasagna noodles (or enough for 3 layers)
Meat Sauce
- 500 g ground beef (or half beef, half sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Remaining ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until just tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain them well and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce gently for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking. Layer the lasagna noodles on top, followed by the ricotta mixture. Spoon a portion of the meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella) to create three total layers. Finish by topping with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set for easier serving.
Notes
- Using a combination of ground beef and sausage adds extra flavor to the meat sauce but can be substituted with just ground beef if preferred.
- If you want to save time, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before cutting helps the layers hold together better for clean slices.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: classic lasagna, homemade lasagna, Italian recipe, baked pasta, meat sauce lasagna, cheesy lasagna
