Easy Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that’s all about layers of tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. It’s a simple but satisfying dish that brings a little taste of Italy right into your kitchen without too much fuss.
I love making this recipe because it feels like a big warm hug on a plate, and it’s pretty forgiving if you want to add your own twist like extra veggies or different kinds of cheese. Plus, it’s great to prepare ahead of time and just pop in the oven when you’re ready, so it’s perfect for busy days.
My favorite way to serve lasagna is with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread on the side. That way, every bite has a nice balance of cheesy, saucy, and crisp textures. It’s a dish that everyone usually asks for seconds of, and leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: I like to use regular noodles that you boil first, but no-boil noodles are a handy time-saver. Just add a little extra sauce to keep them moist while baking.
Ground beef: Ground beef gives a rich flavor and texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds softness to the layers. Cottage cheese is a good lower-fat option; drain it well first for best results.
Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a nice sharp touch. Feel free to use shredded provolone or a mild cheddar if you want a different flavor.
Marinara sauce: A good jarred marinara works fine, but homemade tomato sauce with fresh herbs is even better if you have the time.
How Can I Layer Lasagna for Perfect Structure and Flavor?
Layering is what makes lasagna taste so good and hold together when sliced. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add noodles next, slightly overlapping so no gaps remain.
- Spread the ricotta mix evenly over the noodles for creamy pockets.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the ricotta to help melt and bind.
- Top with meat sauce to add flavor and keep the noodles moist.
- Repeat layers 2-3 times so you get that classic stacked look.
- Finish with noodles and a generous cheese topping to get a golden crust.
Cover the pan with foil during most of the baking to keep it moist, then uncover at the end to brown the cheese. Letting it rest after baking helps the layers set, so your slices stay neat!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits all the layers evenly without spilling.
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles; a big enough one prevents sticking and boiling over.
- Skillet or large pan – for browning the beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the ricotta mixture and to hold the sauce if needed.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy or quick estimates while cooking.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the lasagna moist during baking, and easy to remove for browning.
- Slotted spoon or spatula – to layer the ingredients neatly without excess sauce dripping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or vegetarian crumbles for plant-based eating.
- Add sliced or sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between layers for extra veggies and flavor.
- Mix different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella with basil and oregano for a different cheesy taste.
- Use a spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes to give it a little heat.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the noodles and making the sauce, plus 40 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes for resting before serving, so overall plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet or drape them over the edges of a pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Mix the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until smooth and set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle a portion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top of the ricotta. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the cheeses. Repeat these layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella + Parmesan, sauce).
5. Final Layer and Baking:
For the top layer, place noodles again and cover with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, homemade lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time since you don’t need to pre-cook them. Just make sure to add a little extra sauce when layering to keep them moist during baking.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze Homemade Lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well! Wrap the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil or divide into portions and freeze individually. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.