Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 15 mins
Total Time: ~2 hours
Servings: 8–10
Difficulty: Intermediate
Category: Dinner / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb ground beef

• ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 (15 oz) cans crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup red wine (or beef broth)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (fresh or dried)

For the Layers:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)

• 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• Extra chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

✅ Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add onion and cook until soft (4–5 mins). Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

3. Add ground beef and sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, sugar, wine (or broth), and all seasonings.

5. Simmer on low for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, salt, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.

✅ Step 3: Cook the Noodles (if not using oven-ready)

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook noodles until just al dente (firm, not soft).

• Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or lightly oiled foil to avoid sticking.

✅ Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Use a 9×13″ baking dish:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

2. Add a layer of noodles.

3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture.

4. Sprinkle with some mozzarella & a spoonful of sauce.

5. Repeat layers: noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella.

6. Finish with noodles, sauce, and a generous top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

✅ Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cover with foil (spray the underside with oil to avoid sticking).

3. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 20–25 more minutes, until bubbly and golden.

4. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing (this helps it hold together beautifully).

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for freshness and color. Serve hot with garlic bread and a green salad — or just dig in solo.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer: Wrap individual portions or the whole pan and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Microwave slices or reheat whole pan (covered) at 350°F for 30–40 minutes.

❤️ Chef’s Tips

• Want it extra cheesy? Add a béchamel layer (creamy white sauce).

• Love veggies? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

• Go vegetarian by replacing the meat with lentils or roasted vegetables.

Save this for your next cozy weekend dinner. One bite and you’ll know why lasagna is the king of all casseroles!