Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe

Few things feel as comforting and indulgent as a big slice of Homemade Classic Lasagna. It’s hearty, cheesy, rich in flavor, and exactly the kind of soul-satisfying dish you crave on a cozy evening. Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and a generous amount of melty cheese make this a showstopper every single time. While it looks impressive, it’s much easier to make than you’d think, and perfect for prepping ahead—making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless Comfort Food: It’s the classic lasagna you grew up loving, with layers of flavor and a gooey cheese top.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares beautifully in advance and tastes even better the next day.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for dietary needs or taste preferences.
• Feeds a Crowd: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lasagna noodles: Use no-boil noodles for ease, or traditional ones if you prefer a chewier texture.
• Ground beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor to the meat sauce.
• Italian sausage: Boosts the flavor with spices and a little heat.
• Onion and garlic: Essential for building a savory, aromatic base.
• Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: For a thick, rich, and flavorful sauce.
• Italian seasoning and fresh basil: Classic herbs that bring warmth and depth.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, forming the soft middle layer.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that iconic cheesy pull and golden crust.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To season every layer just right.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in provolone or fontina for extra cheesy layers.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check all sauces for hidden gluten.

How to Make Homemade Classic Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to deepen.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with an egg, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a layer of meat sauce in a greased baking dish. Layer noodles over the sauce, then spread with the ricotta mixture. Add a layer of mozzarella and repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest Before Slicing: This allows the layers to set and prevents a messy plate.
• Use Fresh Basil: It brightens the entire dish with a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: It melts better and has more flavor than pre-shredded.
• Don’t Overload Layers: Keep each layer balanced to ensure even cooking and clean slices.

How to Serve

Serve lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a must for soaking up every bit of sauce. A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully, enhancing the savory tomato and cheese flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works as a lower-fat alternative and offers a similar texture when mixed with egg and Parmesan.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Make sure your sauce is thick and simmered down. Also, let the lasagna rest before cutting so it firms up.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles first?
If using no-boil noodles, no cooking is needed. If using traditional noodles, cook them until just al dente before layering.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Classic Lasagna is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, filling, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just planning to have leftovers all week, this lasagna delivers every time. Roll up your sleeves, layer with love, and dig in!

Print