Name: The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup onion (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork; 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 16 oz full-fat ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; ¼ tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked); 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, The Best Homemade Lasagna is pure comfort layered in every forkful. With robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a golden crown of bubbling cheese, this is the dish I crave for family gatherings and nights when I need a little extra love on my plate. It’s the kind of meal that inspires second helpings and sparks conversations around the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to make The Best Homemade Lasagna and see just why it becomes everyone’s favorite.

The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about lasagna magic: every ingredient matters, and as simple as this list is, each one builds flavor, texture, and that signature mouthwatering look. Gather these building blocks and you’re already halfway to serving The Best Homemade Lasagna your kitchen has ever seen!

Olive oil: Adds a savory richness at the very start and brings all the flavors together as you cook the sauce.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with warmth.
Garlic: One of the secrets to a deeply flavorful meat sauce—don’t skip it!
Ground beef: Gives the sauce heartiness and that “classic lasagna” taste everyone loves.
Ground pork: Adds juicy, savory depth and keeps the meat filling extra tender.
Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): The foundation for a rich, chunky sauce that clings to every noodle.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the meat sauce perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Just a hint balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce.
Dried basil: Gives the ricotta filling and sauce an unmistakable Italian aroma.
Dried oregano: Adds an earthy touch that brings all the sauce flavors together.
Red pepper flakes: For a subtle heat that makes everything pop (adjust to your spice preference).
Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings that make every bite sing—taste as you go!
Full-fat ricotta cheese: Creamy and luscious, it melts beautifully between layers.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta, giving your lasagna beautiful structure.
Lasagna noodles: The classic foundation. Cook to al dente so they hold up to all those delicious layers.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey, stretchy, melty goodness in every bite. Divide it to ensure every layer shines.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch—salty, nutty, and irresistible when baked on top.

How to Make The Best Homemade Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen and the onions turn translucent. Then, add both ground beef and ground pork. Cook, breaking up the meat, until there’s no pink left, then drain off any extra fat—this keeps your lasagna light but still hearty. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a bubble, reduce the heat, and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes so the flavors meld. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed—this sauce makes all the difference so make it just right.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

While your sauce gently simmers away, turn your attention to the ricotta filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy—this layer is what makes The Best Homemade Lasagna so silky and indulgent. Set the filling aside for assembling later; don’t forget to sneak a taste!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the lasagna noodles. You want them al dente—a little bite will help the noodles stand up to all those gorgeous layers. Once done, drain and gently lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking. Pro tip: drizzle a bit of olive oil over the noodles to make separating them even easier during assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Now comes the most satisfying part: building those layers! Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with a thin spread of meat sauce at the bottom (helps prevent sticking and flavors the base). Lay down three noodles, then top with a third of the meat sauce, dot with a third of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle over 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layering two more times so you have three glorious layers, finishing off with the remaining mozzarella and a generous shake of grated Parmesan. Each layer brings you closer to The Best Homemade Lasagna you’ve ever tasted.

Step 5: Bake

Slide your assembled masterpiece into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 40–45 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and tinged with golden brown spots. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving; this allows the layers to settle, making slicing (and eating!) so much easier. This wait is the hardest part, but trust me, your patience will pay off in perfect, picture-worthy pieces.

How to Serve The Best Homemade Lasagna

Garnishes

No lasagna is complete without a final flourish. I love showering The Best Homemade Lasagna with a handful of fresh chopped basil or Italian parsley for a pop of color and a little herby zing. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving also adds the perfect savory finish—your guests will swoon at the sight.

Side Dishes

The Best Homemade Lasagna is a star in its own right, but it always shines brighter with the right supporting cast. Pair it with a crisp green salad (think arugula or romaine with a zingy vinaigrette) and warm, crunchy garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider cutting it into neat squares and stacking them on individual plates, each with a little scoop of ricotta or a drizzle of basil oil. For family-style dinners, bring the whole casserole dish straight to the table, letting everyone serve themselves generous portions. Leftovers make an amazing next-day lunch packed in a thermos or bento box—just add a little extra mozzarella before reheating for melty midday magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers are a gift! Let The Best Homemade Lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep happily for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, so some say the second serving is even better than the first.

Freezing

The Best Homemade Lasagna is fantastic for freezing—make a double batch and save one for later. Either freeze the whole unbaked casserole (tightly wrapped in foil) or individual slices in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–30 minutes for large portions, 10–15 for slices). If microwaving, use a lower power setting and cover with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist and melty. Add a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating for the ultimate gooey finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of The Best Homemade Lasagna. The flavors will be a bit milder, so consider adding extra herbs or a pinch more red pepper flakes for depth. Just be sure not to overcook the meat so the filling stays juicy.

Can I make The Best Homemade Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making lasagna ahead is a wonderful trick. Assemble the whole dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as usual. The flavors meld and deepen overnight—bonus!

What type of mozzarella works best?

Low-moisture, part-skim shredded mozzarella is my go-to because it melts beautifully and doesn’t add excess moisture. Whole-milk mozzarella gives an extra creamy finish, but avoid fresh mozzarella as it can make the dish a bit watery.

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

You can use no-boil noodles if you’re in a hurry! Just be sure to add a bit more sauce to each layer so the noodles have enough liquid to cook through. Some brands of no-boil noodles need extra baking time, so keep an eye on the texture as it bakes.

How long should I let lasagna rest before slicing?

Allow The Best Homemade Lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Resting is crucial—it helps the layers set, making for beautiful, tidy slices and keeping all those delicious fillings intact on your plate.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as pulling The Best Homemade Lasagna from the oven and gathering your loved ones for dinner. With each layer packed with flavor and love, I hope it becomes a treasured staple in your kitchen too. Don’t be surprised if it disappears fast—everyone always comes back for seconds!

The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the best homemade lasagna. Layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, gooey mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese come together in this classic Italian dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add 3 lasagna noodles, then layer with ⅓ of the meat sauce, ⅓ of the ricotta filling (in dollops), and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian