If you’ve ever craved the comfort of a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake, this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite! Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella, layered between perfectly tender noodles. Whether you’re looking to impress company or simply treat your family to a cozy classic, this lasagna brings all the best Italian-American flavors together with truly effortless steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly sets the Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe apart is how accessible each ingredient is, yet how crucial they are to the dish’s ultimate satisfaction. From the richness of the meat to the fresh burst of parsley, every item brings its own magic—ensuring you get that traditional lasagna taste without any fuss or confusing extras.
- Lasagna noodles (9): Traditional or no-boil work fine; these give the signature layers and hearty structure.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps saute and brown the meat beautifully.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): This brings a savory, hearty flavor and satisfying texture to every bite.
- Small onion, diced: Sweetens the sauce and adds depth to the meat base.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Essential for classic Italian aroma and zing.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (24 ounces): Use your favorite jarred sauce for ease—this is your tomatoey backbone.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together oregano, basil, and herbs for pure lasagna flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle bit of warmth and earthiness.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy, mild, and the secret to those dreamy, luscious layers.
- Egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture for a custardy, velvety texture that doesn’t run.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melty and stretchy, this is that classic lasagna topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish and golden baked crispness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh, bright green color and a fragrant final touch.
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until they’re just al dente—tender but not mushy. Drain them well and lay them out flat on a clean towel so they don’t stick together. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip the pot and let them soften in the oven’s steam!
Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce
In a big skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s beautifully brown and the onions are tender—about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors meld. Remove from heat—it’ll be aromatic and rich.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Grab a small bowl and mix the ricotta cheese together with the egg until creamy and smooth. This simple blend ensures every layer is fluffy and perfectly set, not runny.
Step 4: Layer the Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Spoon a little meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay three noodles flat across the sauce, then add half of the ricotta mixture, a generous scoop of meat sauce, and a good handful of mozzarella. Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan for that golden, cheesy top.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes to lock in moisture. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes—this is when the cheese gets gloriously bubbly and just a little browned. Let your lasagna rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, so the layers hold together and the flavors can mingle.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley across the top for a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. If you love a little extra flair, a few grinds of black pepper or even a light dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving works wonders.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad tossed with a zippy Italian dressing makes a light, crunchy contrast to the cheesy, hearty lasagna. Add warm garlic bread or a rustic loaf for that irresistible mop-up of extra sauce. Roasted vegetables also add variety and balance the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, cut the Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe into perfect squares and serve on individual plates with a swirl of extra sauce and a parsley leaf on each. Making it for a crowd? Try assembling the lasagna in mini loaf pans for adorable, single-serving portions. Or, roll up the noodles with filling for a twist—lasagna roll-ups always impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the leftover lasagna in the refrigerator by covering the baking dish tightly with foil or transferring slices to airtight containers. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully—simply wrap the cooled, unbaked or baked lasagna in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Store flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover a slice with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually 20 to 25 minutes. For a quick lunch, microwave individual portions (loosely covered) on medium power until heated evenly. Either way, you’ll get those delicious, cheesy layers all over again.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! If you prefer cottage cheese over ricotta in your Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe, simply substitute it in equal amounts for a slightly tangier, lighter filling. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid first to keep the layers set.
Should I cook the noodles first if I use no-boil lasagna sheets?
No need to cook no-boil noodles ahead—the sauce provides enough moisture for them to soften and cook perfectly in the oven. Just make sure you cover the lasagna tightly with foil for the first part of baking to trap the steam.
Can I make the Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the meat for layers of roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Use your favorite marinara and follow the same layering steps—the result is just as hearty and delicious.
What’s the best way to keep the lasagna layers from slipping?
Letting the lasagna rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes after baking is crucial. This allows everything to set, making slices neater and preventing the layers from sliding apart when you serve.
How long can I prepare the lasagna in advance before baking?
You can assemble your Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This advance prep actually lets the flavors blend even more, resulting in a tastier lasagna!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager smiles and big appetites. Every layer is packed with comfort and rich Italian flavor, yet it’s simple enough for any night of the week. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the best homemade lasagna you’ve ever made—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade lasagna recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
9 lasagna noodles
Olive Oil Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and onion, then add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta and egg.
- Assemble: Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover and bake until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Use no-boil noodles for convenience and adjust liquid slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
