Best homemade lasagna: 1 amazing secret

Oh, there is just nothing in the world that hugs you back quite like a piping hot slice of comfort food, right? When I think of true, soul-soothing satisfaction, I immediately picture a towering piece of homemade lasagna, bubbling over with sauce and cheese. This recipe right here, The Best Classic Homemade Lasagna, is the absolute pinnacle. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and yes, we make everything from scratch!

I learned long ago from my Grandma in her tiny Ohio kitchen that amazing food doesn’t have to involve impossible steps. Even with my hectic marketing career, I’ve worked hard to simplify the process for you. You get all that deep, savory flavor—that authentic Italian comfort—but streamlined so you can tackle it on a weeknight or serve it proudly on a Sunday. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you won’t reach for that frozen carton again. You can read a little more about my kitchen philosophy over on my About Me page if you’re curious!

We’re talking layers of tender pasta, a slow-simmered meat sauce, and that dreamy, creamy ricotta filling. Let’s get started on your new favorite family tradition!

Why This is the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Look, you can buy frozen lasagna, and I’ve certainly done it when I’m running on fumes! But my version? This stands above the rest because it balances that slow-cooked depth with my modern need for something practical. This truly is the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe you’ll find because it’s built to be reliable every single time. Stop settling for watery sauces or dry pasta, because this Ultimate Lasagna Recipe is all about robust flavor and perfect layers. If you love deep-flavored ground beef dishes like my famous classic meatloaf recipe, you know good flavor takes time!

The Rich Meat Sauce Lasagna Secret

If you rush the sauce, you rush the flavor! That 30-minute minimum simmer time I list isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the law in my kitchen. That slow bubble allows the basil and oregano to really infuse everything. That’s the magic that pushes this past good and into that true Authentic Lasagna From Scratch territory. Don’t cheat this step; your family will notice the difference!

SAVE IT

Achieving the Perfect Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese Layers

That creamy layer we love so much? It needs structure, or it turns into a soupy mess after baking. That’s why I always include one small egg in the mixture. It acts like glue, holding all the flavor in place so you get clean, beautiful slices. This step is essential for the perfect Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese experience rather than a sloppy pasta bake.

Gathering Ingredients for Your Homemade Lasagna

Okay, for this incredible homemade lasagna, sometimes the quality of a few key items really makes the finished product sing. We’re using standard pantry stuff, but where we splurge a little effort—like letting that sauce simmer—is where it pays off. Make sure your ricotta is good and creamy! Before we dive into the assembly instructions later, let’s make sure you have everything measured out precisely. If you’re planning sides to go with this classic, I have some great side dish ideas that balance out this rich meal perfectly!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Homemade Lasagna

When you look at the official list, pay attention to the specifics. We really need exactly 1 pound of lasagna noodles, and I prefer traditional ones that require boiling—it gives me better texture control. For the tomatoes, grab that large (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes; skip the purees here! If you want an extra layer of flavor in your homemade lasagna meat sauce, swap out half the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage—it adds a little fennel kick that wakes everything up. Just remember to drain that fat really well before you add the tomatoes!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Italian Lasagna

Alright, here’s where the magic happens! Putting together this homemade lasagna is like building a very delicious, edible tower. We follow the steps logically: noodles first, then we tackle the sauce and the creamy ricotta filling, and finally, we build those gorgeous layers. This whole process is what turns simple ingredients into the Classic Italian Lasagna everyone swoons over. I always picture my Grandma guiding me through this assembly when I make my weekly batch of this Ground Beef Lasagna Tutorial!

Making the Rich Meat Sauce for Homemade Lasagna

Once you’ve browned your beef and softened the onions, it’s time to dedicate yourself to the sauce. You absolutely must let that sauce simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes—I often let mine go longer if I can swing it. Stir it every now and then so nothing scorches on the bottom. This slow time is what makes our sauce truly exceptional and creates that signature deep flavor you expect from a fantastic Rich Meat Sauce Lasagna. If you love recipes that let the flavor develop slowly, you should definitely check out my spaghetti bolognese!

SAVE IT

Assembling Your Easy Layered Lasagna

This layering technique is key for stability! Start by spreading one cup of meat sauce right onto the bottom of your greased 9×13 pan—this prevents the noodles from gluing themselves to the glass, trust me! Next layer: noodles. Then, spread half of your amazing ricotta mix evenly across those noodles. Sprinkle on one-third of your mozzarella, and then top that with half of the remaining meat sauce. Then, we repeat it all: noodles, the rest of the ricotta, another third of the mozzarella, and the last of the meat sauce. Finally, put down your last noodle layer and cover it all with the rest of that beautiful mozzarella. This careful sequence ensures you have an Easy Layered Lasagna that holds its shape!

Baking the Ultimate Lasagna Recipe Perfectly

We don’t just throw this in and hope for the best! First, cover that beautiful creation tightly with foil. This traps the steam and cooks everything through evenly. Pop it in the 375°F oven for 25 minutes covered. Then, it’s time for the transformation! Take that foil off and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until everything is golden brown and bubbly. The absolute final, non-negotiable step for the Ultimate Lasagna Recipe is letting it rest! Keep the homemade lasagna off the counter for a good 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. For other foolproof baked pasta ideas, I always look at trusted sources, like this guide on the world’s best lasagna recipe for inspiration!

SAVE IT

Tips for Success with Your Homemade Lasagna

Even the best homemade lasagna can sometimes try to fight you! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure this Comfort Food Pasta Bakes tradition always turns out perfectly, not watery or messy. My #1 tip relates back to step one: make sure your noodles are cooked *al dente*—just slightly firm. If they are too soft, they turn mushy when they bake another hour later.

Also, when you drain your noodles, lay them out flat on parchment paper so they don’t stick together in one giant, cheesy clump! That’s a nightmare to untangle. Finally, if you are worried about a watery dish, use a slotted spoon when portioning out the meat sauce layers. You want flavor, not excess liquid seeping into your gorgeous ricotta layer. For my favorite quick fixes for busy nights, check out some ideas in my weeknight dinners archives. Honestly, the structural integrity of a great homemade lasagna is everything, and these little touches ensure success, unlike some other guides, but I always reference guides like the one on The Best Homemade Lasagna when I’m testing new oven temperatures!

Make Ahead Frozen Lasagna and Storage Guide

I know life gets crazy, so being able to prepare one of these beauties ahead of time is an absolute lifesaver! This recipe works wonderfully as a Make Ahead Frozen Lasagna; it’s one of my favorite ways to stock the freezer for truly busy weeks. If you assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, you can pop it right in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add about 10 to 15 minutes onto the initial covered baking time!

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, covered lasagna for up to three months. If you are baking straight from frozen, you’ll want to tack on about 30 extra minutes while it’s covered. It will come out just as amazing! I use similar freezer techniques for my make-ahead breakfast burritos, which saves my morning sanity. It’s all about setting yourself up for success!

Serving Suggestions for Family Dinner Lasagna

After all that amazing work creating the perfect homemade lasagna, you need simple sides that let this masterpiece shine! Since this is such a hearty, rich dish, we want pairings that offer a little brightness or crunch, balancing out all that cheesy goodness. I always serve this as the star of our Family Dinner Lasagna night!

You absolutely need a crisp green salad—no heavy dressings allowed! My favorite is a simple tossed salad with crunchy cucumber and shaved carrots, or honestly, you can never go wrong with a big batch of my creamy Caesar salad. And of course, you need big, crusty slices of Italian bread. You know why? For scooping up every last drop of that glorious meat sauce left on your plate! Don’t waste a single drop!

SAVE IT

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Lasagna

I get asked the same things every time I post this dish on social media, so let’s just clear up any last-minute confusion about making the homemade lasagna perfect. Whether you’re aiming for the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe or just trying to get dinner on the table, these tips should help you keep things running smoothly!

Can I make this lasagna without meat for a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! This recipe is marked as vegetarian-friendly if you skip the ground beef in the sauce. Instead of meat, I highly recommend sautéing a mix of chopped mushrooms, shredded zucchini, and spinach until all their moisture cooks off. This keeps the sauce hearty without watering down your cheese layers!

Do I need to boil the noodles before making homemade lasagna?

In my standard recipe for the homemade lasagna, yes, you need to boil the noodles until they are just shy of being done—that’s al dente! If you decide to use the no-boil kind, which is a great shortcut, just know that they soak up more liquid while baking. To compensate, make sure your meat sauce is a touch runnier than normal. It works in a pinch!

If you have any other specific worries or just want to tell me how yours turned out, feel free to reach out on my contact page!

Approximate Nutritional Data for This Homemade Lasagna

Now, listen, I am a cook, not a nutritionist, so take these numbers with a grain of salt—or maybe a big sprinkle of Parmesan!

These figures are just estimates based on using the specific ingredients listed in my recipe, including the standard amount of cheese and ground beef. When you make this homemade lasagna for your family, the final count can change depending on what brands you choose or if you sneak in extra mozzarella (which I totally support!).

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 580
• Fat: 32g (with 15g as Saturated Fat)
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 850mg

It’s rich, hearty, and definitely counts as comfort food, so keep that in mind! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Share Your Ultimate Lasagna Recipe Experience

That’s it, my friends! You have all the secrets now, from the simmering meat sauce to the perfect creamy ricotta binding everything together. I truly hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen for those nights when only homemade lasagna will do.

I put my heart into making sure this is the absolute best version out there. Would you do me a huge favor? When you finish baking it, come right back here and leave a rating—five stars if you loved it! And please, leave a comment below and tell me how your homemade lasagna turned out. I honestly live for hearing about your family dinners! Find more inspiration on my main blog page!

The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Rich Meat Sauce and Creamy Ricotta

Print Recipe

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This classic Italian American lasagna recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. You will layer tender pasta with a rich ground beef meat sauce and a creamy ricotta cheese filling, topped with plenty of mozzarella for a satisfying family dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr 5 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 35 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This develops the rich flavor.
5. Prepare the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Arrange a single layer of cooked noodles over the sauce.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
11. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
12. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and the rest of the meat sauce.
13. Top with the final layer of noodles, and spread any remaining sauce over the top noodles. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese.
14. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
15. Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
16. Let the ultimate lasagna recipe rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• You can make this lasagna ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
• For a make ahead frozen lasagna, assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or add 30 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from frozen.
• If you prefer a less traditional approach, you can substitute the ricotta filling with a simple béchamel sauce for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 12
• Sodium: 850
• Fat: 32
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 17
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 110