Easy Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that’s just as delightful as it sounds. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and seasoned meat or veggies make it a meal everyone looks forward to. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the warm smell of home and makes your heart feel full.
I love making this lasagna on a weekend when I have a bit of extra time to layer everything just right. One of my favorite parts is mixing the cheese filling – it’s simple but adds such a creamy, delicious touch that keeps me coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, which is why it’s my go-to when I want something hearty without a lot of fuss.
When serving, I like to pair it with a fresh green salad and a crusty slice of garlic bread. It’s the perfect combo for a cozy dinner that feels like a little celebration. Leftovers taste great too, so I always find myself looking forward to the next day’s lunch. This lasagna brings people together, and I’m always happy when I get to share it with family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Using regular noodles works well, but if you want to skip boiling, try no-boil noodles. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce to help them cook evenly in the oven.
Ground beef: I prefer ground beef for its flavor, but you can swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Ricotta cheese: This gives the filling a creamy texture. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese works too—just drain any extra liquid first.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving stretch and gooeyness. Parmesan adds a nutty finish. If you like, try blending mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different twist.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade. Adding your own garlic and herbs can boost flavor without extra work.
How Can I Layer Lasagna Perfectly Without a Mess?
Layering is key for even cooking and a good balance of flavors. Here’s how I keep it neat:
- Start with a thin sauce layer to stop noodles from sticking to the pan.
- Place noodles side-by-side, slightly overlapping but not too much.
- Spread ricotta gently with a spoon or spatula, not too thick—too much will make it runny.
- Add meat sauce evenly, then sprinkle cheese to cover the layer.
- Repeat layers the same way, finish with sauce and cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture, uncover at the end for bubbly cheese.
Letting the lasagna rest after baking keeps it from falling apart when you cut it and helps all the layers set perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I love this size because it’s just right for layered lasagna and easy to handle.
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles, making sure they don’t stick together.
- Skillet or frying pan – to brown the beef and cook the aromatics. A non-stick pan makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for blending the ricotta mixture and combining ingredients.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – to stir everything smoothly and layer the casserole without making a mess.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the lasagna covered while baking to trap moisture and heat evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient quantities, ensuring everything melds just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic and onion, or any veggies you want to add.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini layers for extra veggies and color.
- Use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a distinctive flavor boost.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to spice things up or intensify herbs.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for cooking
Time Needed:
This lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prep, 45 minutes to bake, and around 10-15 minutes of resting time before serving. So, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and lay them on a lightly oiled surface to stop them from sticking.
2. Make the Sauce:
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Set this sauce aside.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture adds a delicious layer to your lasagna.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then spoon one-third of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle a bit of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering two more times — noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help it set. Garnish with fresh parsley, slice, and enjoy warm!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Regular Ones?
Yes! Just layer them as directed and ensure you have enough sauce to help soften the noodles during baking. You might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Other Proteins?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just cook them fully before mixing with sauce and assembling.