If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella into one unforgettable dish that anyone can master. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a casual get-together, this classic Italian-American delight delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe plays a key role, from building layers of flavor to creating the perfect texture. These simple, wholesome components come together to make your lasagna unforgettable and absolutely delicious.
- Lasagna noodles (9): The sturdy foundation that holds all the delicious layers together perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a flavorful start.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides savory, meaty depth to the sauce that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the meat sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses the sauce with its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors so they shine in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings a touch of herbaceous brightness to the tomato sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, earthy note that’s signature to Italian cooking.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle spicy warmth if you like a little heat.
- Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): The tomato-based heart of the dish, rich and full of flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and slightly sweet, it balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture for smooth, perfect layering.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds nutty, salty depth to the ricotta filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey top layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens every serving.
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them carefully and set aside. This step ensures your noodles will be tender but hold their shape perfectly in the layers.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. This luscious blend adds richness and a silky texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna
Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down 3 cooked noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles. Next, add one-third of the meat sauce followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbling. Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure every slice holds together nicely.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each serving to add a pop of color and a fresh, herby note that contrasts nicely with the rich layers. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also elevate the look and taste dramatically, making your guests feel like they’re dining at a cozy trattoria.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed with simple vinaigrettes, or roasted vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers to add crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or warm artisan rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal lasagna servings at your next dinner party. Alternatively, layer the lasagna in clear glass baking dishes to showcase the vibrant layers visually before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Cover tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble your lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or warm an entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 25 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to refresh the bubbly cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian alternative to suit your preferences. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
Is it necessary to boil the noodles before assembling the lasagna?
If you use traditional lasagna noodles, boiling them until al dente is important for texture and to ensure they cook fully in the oven. However, you can streamline prep by using oven-ready noodles, which skip the boiling step altogether.
How long does this lasagna take to prepare and cook?
The total time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes including 25 minutes of prep and around 45 minutes of baking. It’s an easy recipe that fits well into a weekend cooking schedule.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready, just pop it into the oven and bake according to the instructions.
What can I do to make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for the layering. Just ensure the marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making an Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe from scratch — the layers of flavor, the bubbling cheese, and the lovely aromas filling your kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your home, guaranteed to bring smiles at every meal.
Print
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Homemade Lasagna recipe is a classic Italian-American comfort food featuring layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is straightforward to prepare with simple ingredients and baking techniques to ensure a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture & Topping
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna after assembling.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly on the noodles, then one-third of the meat sauce, and top with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- You can prepare this lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For variations, substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time and skip the boiling step if desired.
