Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe for a Hearty Family Meal
This easy homemade lasagna recipe offers the perfect combination of creamy ricotta cheese, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for busy days, this recipe is make-ahead and freezer-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy a flavorful dish whenever you like.
If you’re looking for a hearty lasagna recipe that guarantees delicious layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, you’ve found the best one.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna is one of those meals that brings everyone together. With its rich layers and comforting flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. This classic lasagna recipe features:
- Simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver rich flavors.
- A creamy ricotta mixture that balances perfectly with the savory meat sauce.
- Freezer-friendly preparation that allows you to make it ahead of time.
Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious homemade lasagna.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Lasagna
The key to making a lasagna that everyone loves is using the right ingredients. This recipe uses a blend of fresh cheeses and a flavorful meat sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce (Rao’s is highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Lasagna Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles, plus extra in case of breakage
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
How to Make This Easy Lasagna Recipe
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to prepare this homemade lasagna. Follow this guide to ensure every layer is full of flavor and perfectly cooked.
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set this mixture aside for later. This will be the creamy layer that complements the meat sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 10 minutes until softened. This helps release the onion’s natural sweetness, which balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break the meat into small crumbles and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Add the garlic during the last minute for a burst of flavor. Drain the excess grease to avoid making the lasagna too oily.
Now, pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer gently while you prepare the pasta noodles.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente.
This ensures they have the perfect texture after baking. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Lay the noodles flat on wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking while you assemble the lasagna.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Now, it’s time to layer the lasagna in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Start by spreading a heaping cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Then, add a layer of 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
Next, spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1.5 cups of meat sauce. Repeat this process for two more layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce. Finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce on top and topping with 2.5 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the lasagna with foil (spray the foil with non-stick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking).
Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For a crispy finish, you can broil the top for 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it!
Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna
Creating the perfect lasagna takes some care, but these pro tips will ensure your dish turns out amazing every time:
- Use quality marinara sauce: We recommend Rao’s marinara for its rich, authentic flavor.
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always shred fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Make sure your lasagna noodles are cooked just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Let the lasagna rest: Give the lasagna at least 15 minutes to rest before serving so the layers stay intact when slicing.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
This lasagna recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer.
To Make Ahead:
- Assemble the lasagna as outlined but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If frozen, thaw the lasagna in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Before baking, let the lasagna sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and add an additional 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
To Freeze Leftovers:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, bake it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs About Easy Lasagna Recipe
How many layers should lasagna have?
Lasagna should have at least 3 layers, but you can add more if your dish allows.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles or fresh lasagna noodles without cooking them first.
What type of cheese is best for lasagna?
Whole milk mozzarella, fresh Parmesan, and ricotta are ideal for a creamy, rich flavor.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Ensure you fully cook your sauce and drain excess fat from the meat. Also, don’t overcook the lasagna noodles.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna recipe?
Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.