The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Easy, Cheesy & Family Favorite)

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If you’re looking for the best homemade lasagna recipe, you’re in the right place. This classic Italian comfort food is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets. It’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying — perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or weekend cooking.

Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

  • ✔️ Easy step-by-step recipe

  • ✔️ Rich and flavorful meat sauce

  • ✔️ Perfectly layered and cheesy

  • ✔️ Great for meal prep

  • ✔️ Freezer-friendly

This recipe is beginner-friendly but tastes like it came straight from a traditional Italian kitchen.

Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 500g ground beef (or half beef, half sausage)

  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

  • 3–4 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 2 cups tomato sauce

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Layer:

Other:

How to Make Lasagna Step by Step

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until thick and flavorful.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat to prevent sticking.

(If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step.)

4. Layer the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

In a baking dish:

  1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce.

  2. Add a layer of noodles.

  3. Spread cheese mixture.

  4. Add meat sauce.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella.

Repeat layers until ingredients are used. Finish with meat sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set perfectly.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna

  • Let it rest before cutting (very important!).

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.

  • Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie twist.

  • Make it a day ahead — it tastes even better the next day.

How to Store and Freeze

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in oven at 180°C until warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lasagna without ricotta?

Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese or make a béchamel white sauce instead.

What is the best cheese for lasagna?

Mozzarella for melting, Parmesan for flavor, and ricotta for creaminess.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.

Final Thoughts

This easy homemade lasagna recipe is comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're cooking for family dinner, special occasions, or just craving classic Italian comfort food, this recipe never disappoints.

Make it once, and it might just become your go-to lasagna recipe forever ❤️

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