This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is all about layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, stacked between tender sheets of pasta. It’s a classic dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress without too much fuss.
I love making this lasagna because it doesn’t require a lot of complicated steps, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part is that you can customize it however you want—add extra veggies, swap meats, or keep it simple. I always find that letting it rest for a bit after baking makes the flavors settle beautifully and makes it easier to cut.
When I serve this lasagna, I usually pair it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any sauce left on the plate. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and enjoying every bite. Cooking it might be easy, but the way it brings people smiles is truly special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Regular lasagna sheets work great here, but if you want to skip the boiling, use no-boil noodles. Just make sure you add a little extra sauce to keep things moist.
Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef to avoid too much grease. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or go vegetarian with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
Ricotta cheese: This adds creaminess and helps bind the layers. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese can be a softer substitute. Just blend it briefly for a smoother texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. For more flavor, blend in some provolone or cheddar. If dairy-free, try vegan mozzarella alternatives.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade tomato sauce. If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for extra zing.
How Do You Build Layers Without Making a Mess?
Layering lasagna can feel tricky, but a good routine helps keep things neat and tasty. Follow these tips:
- Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to stop noodles from sticking.
- Use the back of a spoon or the flat part of a spatula to spread ricotta evenly.
- Keep each layer balanced—don’t overload with sauce or cheese to avoid spilling when slicing.
- Overlap noodles slightly but don’t crowd them; this prevents clumping.
- Cover with foil during baking to keep the top cheese from burning before everything cooks through.
Letting the lasagna rest before cutting is key! This way, the layers hold together better when sliced and serve beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits everything well and makes serving easy.
- Large pot – to boil the noodles; a big one cuts down on boiling time and prevents splashes.
- Skillet – for cooking the meat sauce; a deep skillet keeps everything contained and makes stirring easy.
- Mixing bowls – to combine ricotta and egg; having a few different sizes helps keep things organized.
- Cooking spoon/spatula – to stir the sauce and layer the ingredients smoothly.
- Aluminum foil – covers the lasagna during baking to prevent the top from burning while it cooks evenly.
- Grater or food processor – for shredding mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making layered assembly quicker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers for a bit of heat.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for different flavors and textures.
- Add diced vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses such as provolone or fontina to vary the richness and meltability.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time You’ll Need:
This easy homemade lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 50-55 minutes baking time, and about 10-15 minutes resting time before serving. So plan for around 1 hour and 20 minutes total from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half the Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until smooth and well mixed.
4. Layer Your Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella cheese on top. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
5. Finish and Bake:
On the final layer, arrange the last noodles and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch and enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead?
Yes! No-boil noodles are a convenient shortcut. Just make sure to add a bit more sauce to keep everything moist since the noodles will absorb liquid as they bake.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use the microwave for quicker reheating.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works well too. For a smoother texture, blend it briefly before mixing with the egg and Parmesan.