When it comes to cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners, nothing beats a lasagna recipe fresh out of the oven. Golden layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling cheese it’s the definition of comfort food.
I still remember the first time I made homemade lasagna with my mom on a Sunday afternoon. The kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering sauce and toasted garlic bread while we assembled each layer with care. Now, it’s one of those timeless dishes that always brings people together whether for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe
This isn’t just any lasagna recipe it’s rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Classic Flavor: A traditional blend of meat, tomato, herbs, and creamy cheese.
- Ideal for preparing ahead of time so you can simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Perfect for serving large groups, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or planning meals for the days ahead.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freezes beautifully for those busy weeknights.
If you love comforting dishes like million dollar lasagna recipe versions, this one’s sure to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a few simple, wholesome ingredients for this simple lasagna recipe:
- Lasagna noodles – regular or oven-ready
- Ground beef – or Italian sausage for extra flavor
- Onion and garlic – the base for a rich sauce
- Tomato sauce & crushed tomatoes – gives depth and body
- Italian seasoning & fresh basil – essential for that authentic taste
- Ricotta cheese – creamy and mild
- Egg – helps bind the ricotta layer
- Mozzarella & Parmesan – for that irresistible melted top
How to Make Lasagna
1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until creamy and well blended.
3: Boil the Noodles
If you’re not using oven-ready noodles, cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4: Layer It Up
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add this layering sequence:
- Noodles
- Ricotta mixture
- Meat sauce
- Mozzarella
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella on top.
5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing this helps it set beautifully.
Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna
Print
Lasagna Recipe – The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- Classic lasagna recipe with layers of seasoned meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. A timeless comfort food made for gatherings, meal prep, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown beef and onion in a skillet. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Boil noodles if not oven-ready.
- Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, meat, and cheese. Repeat.
- Bake covered at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a richer flavor.
- Let it rest before slicing for cleaner layers.
- Great for freezing in individual portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Use whole-milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Let your sauce simmer it develops a deeper, richer flavor.
- Always rest the lasagna before cutting to keep layers intact.
- For a lighter version, try ground turkey or even vegan lasagne recipes using lentils or mushrooms.
Serving Ideas
Pair your lasagna recipe with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- A crisp Caesar or green salad
- A glass of red wine (or sparkling grape juice for family dinners)
This classic homemade lasagna recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own but the right sides make it unforgettable.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single servings.
Lasagna Variations
- Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe: Add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream between the ricotta for ultra-rich flavor.
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce and chicken instead of tomato and beef.
- Crockpot Lasagna Recipe: Layer all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours ideal for busy days.
For more recipes Follow me in Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Make sure to drain your noodles and simmer your sauce until thick.
3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely it gives a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor.
4. What’s the best cheese mix for lasagna?
A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan offers the perfect combination of melt, creaminess, and sharpness.
Final Thoughts
This lasagna recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Whether you’re recreating your family’s Sunday tradition or hosting a cozy dinner, this dish delivers the comfort of home with layers of love.
Serve it fresh from the oven with garlic bread, a crisp salad, and plenty of smiles because few meals say “welcome home” quite like homemade lasagna.