If there’s one classic comfort food that never fails to bring a crowd together, it’s homemade lasagna. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of golden melted cheese, this Italian masterpiece has earned its place at family dinners, holidays, and Sunday gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or making lasagna for the first time, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a dish that’s irresistibly flavorful and unforgettable.
This full recipe for old-fashioned homemade lasagna has been perfected over the years — balanced seasoning, just the right amount of cheese, and a layering technique that ensures every slice holds its shape. No mushy noodles. No watery sauce. Just perfection.
What Makes This Lasagna So Good?
There are hundreds of lasagna variations out there, so what sets this one apart?
✔ The meat sauce simmers long enough to develop deep flavor
✔ Ricotta mixture is seasoned — not bland like many recipes
✔ Multiple cheeses provide richness without being greasy
✔ Noodles cook to a perfect al dente texture
✔ Layering order locks in moisture while keeping structure
This is restaurant-quality lasagna, made in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225g) Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato basil sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up meat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara, crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor. You can even make it a day ahead.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Cook the Noodles
If using regular lasagna noodles:
- Boil in salted water until al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven)
- Drain and lay flat on parchment to prevent sticking
If using no-boil noodles, no prep is needed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Use a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer in this order:
- Thin layer of meat sauce
- Noodles
- Ricotta mixture
- Meat sauce
- Mozzarella
Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Finish with:
- Sauce → Mozzarella → Parmesan
5. Bake
- Cover with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray so it doesn’t stick to cheese)
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes
- Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden
After baking, let the lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to set the layers.
What to Serve with Lasagna
While lasagna can shine on its own, pairing it with a fresh side elevates the meal:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Caesar salad or mixed greens with Italian vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus
- A glass of red wine (Chianti or Cabernet pairs beautifully)
Recipe Variations
Lasagna is extremely versatile. Try these twists:
Veggie Lasagna
Replace meat with:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Eggplant
Chicken or Turkey Lasagna
Swap beef/sausage for ground poultry and season with Italian spices.
Three-Cheese Lasagna
Skip the meat entirely — use ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and add provolone.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure sauces are gluten-free.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Watery lasagna | Simmer sauce until thick + let lasagna rest before serving |
| Cheese leaking or burning | Cover with foil first, remove it halfway |
| Noodles sticking together | Lay flat on parchment after boiling |
| Bland ricotta | Always season the cheese layer |
How to Store & Reheat Lasagna
Lasagna reheats beautifully, which is why it’s great for meal prep.
Refrigerator
- Cool completely
- Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer
- Freeze whole pan or individual portions
- Wrap tightly in plastic + foil
- Lasts up to 3 months
Reheating
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes
- Microwave: 2–4 minutes per slice, covered to maintain moisture
Freezer Tip: Freeze unbaked lasagna and bake from frozen at 375°F, adding ~20 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
This homemade lasagna recipe delivers everything you want in classic Italian comfort food — deep savory flavor, creamy cheese, tender noodles, and a perfectly golden top. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Make it once, and it will become a household favorite for years to come.