There are hundreds of lasagna recipes out there, but this one has become our family’s go-to. It’s packed with layers of rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, gooey mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is cheesy, hearty, and full of classic Italian flavors.
Even better, this easy lasagna recipe doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Whether you’re making Sunday dinner, feeding a crowd, or preparing meals for the freezer, this homemade lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit.
If you’re looking for the best lasagna recipe that’s both simple and incredibly delicious, you’ve found it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich homemade meat sauce with beef and Italian sausage
- Creamy ricotta filling in every layer
- Perfectly cheesy and golden on top
- Easy enough for beginners
- Great for holidays, family dinners, and meal prep
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic lasagna uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Ground beef and Italian sausage create a flavorful meat sauce, while crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs give it rich homemade flavor.
The ricotta filling is made with ricotta cheese, eggs, mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper for a creamy layer that balances the hearty meat sauce. Finish everything with plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that irresistible golden topping.
Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna
- Cook the noodles about 2 minutes less than the package directions so they don’t become too soft while baking.
- Let the meat sauce simmer to develop even more flavor.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
- Spray the foil before covering the lasagna to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the layers stay together.
Variations
- Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra vegetables.
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use oven-ready noodles if preferred and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Make it spicy by using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
The Best & Easiest Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until well mixed.
- Cook the lasagna noodles 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Spray a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1½ cups of the meat sauce over the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed. Spread about 2 cups of the meat sauce over the noodles, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top, then sprinkle with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Spray one side of a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray and place it sprayed-side down over the lasagna.
- Bake covered for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes.
- Turn the oven to broil and broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Slightly undercooking the noodles keeps them from becoming too soft while baking.
- A deep 9×13-inch baking dish works best for all of the layers.
- Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it hold together.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
Lasagna is one of the best freezer meals.
To freeze before baking, assemble the lasagna completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 90–100 minutes, removing the foil during the last 20 minutes so the cheese can brown.
You can also thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe directions.
Already baked lasagna freezes well too. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Do I have to use both beef and sausage?
No. You can use all ground beef or all Italian sausage if you prefer, but using both gives the best flavor.
Why does my lasagna fall apart?
The most common reason is slicing it too soon. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes after baking so the layers can set.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes. Cottage cheese works as a substitute, although the texture will be slightly different.
What’s the best cheese for lasagna?
A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creamy, melty, and savory flavors.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this homemade lasagna, be sure to try my Creamy Lemon Chicken, Creamy Sliced Potato Bake, Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, The Best Tomato Soup You’ll Ever Have, and Loaded Italian Pasta Salad. They’re easy, family-friendly recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Once you make this homemade lasagna from scratch, it’s hard to go back to anything else. It’s rich, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and one of those classic recipes everyone asks for again and again.
This lasagna was cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It was easy to follow, and everyone asked for the recipe.