Classic Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Classic Homemade Lasagna is a timeless recipe featuring layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this lasagna combines authentic flavors with simple, fresh ingredients like Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella. Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep or special occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a weeknight meal, this hearty dish is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed if applicable)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste

Cheese Layer:

• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (packed)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Other:

• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Optional garnish: fresh basil or chopped parsley, to taste

---

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
2. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes.
3. Drain most of the fat, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, minced garlic, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
4. When the sauce begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover with a lid, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork. Add shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles to al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain noodles without rinsing and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third.
2. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce.
4. Add another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and another 1/3 of the meat sauce. Top with the final 4 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese further, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
2. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles create a perfect comfort dish.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready, or freeze for a convenient meal later.

Tips

• Drain the Meat: Removing excess fat from the cooked meat ensures a less greasy lasagna.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest helps it set and makes slicing easier.
• Customizable Cheese Layer: Adjust the proportions of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to suit your preferences.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat sauce with a vegetable-based sauce featuring zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicier Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, substitute regular noodles with no-boil lasagna noodles. Add 1/4 cup of extra beef broth to the meat sauce to ensure proper hydration.

How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving

Serve lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair with red wine or sparkling water for an elevated dining experience.

Suggestions

• For individual portions, bake in smaller ramekins for a personal-sized lasagna.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a no-fuss meal on busy days.