Homemade Lasagna

Name: Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 no-boil lasagna noodles; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: December 19, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Homemade Lasagna

This incredible Homemade Lasagna transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Homemade Lasagna:

Lasagna Noodles: Choose no-boil noodles to save time or traditional ones if you prefer a chewier texture.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Use lean meat for less grease; Italian sausage adds fantastic flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese gives your lasagna its signature richness—don’t skimp!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use a mix of part-skim and whole milk mozzarella for the best melting effect.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan elevates the flavor profile; it’s worth it!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine in a pinch; homemade is always better if you have the time.
Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil will brighten up your lasagna wonderfully.

For the Sauce:

Olive Oil: A splash for sautéing adds depth to your sauce.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and flavor; sauté until translucent for best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced will elevate your sauce from good to unforgettable.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Homemade Lasagna:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions until they are soft. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!

Step 3: Make The Sauce

Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and cook for another minute. Pour in marinara sauce and stir well. Simmer on low heat while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Mix The Cheeses

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Assemble The Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer no-boil lasagna noodles across it, followed by half the ricotta mixture, then more meat sauce. Repeat layers until you reach the top! Finish with shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Bake And Serve

Cover with foil (to prevent sticking) and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for the perfect finishing touch!

Now you’ve mastered Homemade Lasagna! Just remember—the secret ingredient is always love…and maybe an extra sprinkle of cheese!

You Must Know About Homemade Lasagna

This showstopping Homemade Lasagna delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by sautéing your vegetables for the sauce while your lasagna noodles boil. Next, prepare the meat filling and cheese mixture simultaneously to streamline your efforts. Assemble everything in layers, and bake until bubbly perfection emerges.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese, and don’t shy away from herbs; fresh basil can elevate your homemade lasagna significantly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover homemade lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake covered with foil at 350°F until heated through, ensuring a delightful comeback of flavors.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Homemade Lasagna

This professional-quality Homemade Lasagna relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

My first attempt at making homemade lasagna ended in a gooey mess that looked more like a science experiment than dinner. But after some trial and error, it became a family favorite that people request on special occasions!

FAQs

What is Homemade Lasagna?

Homemade lasagna is a classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The beauty of homemade lasagna lies in its versatility; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients such as vegetables, ricotta cheese, or different types of meat. Making it from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and flavors, resulting in a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love.

How do I make Homemade Lasagna from scratch?

To make homemade lasagna from scratch, start by preparing your pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente, then layer them with cooked ground beef or sausage mixed with marinara sauce. Next, add a layer of ricotta cheese blended with egg and herbs. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top. Bake it in the oven for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest before serving to enhance the flavors.

Can I freeze Homemade Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze homemade lasagna! To do this effectively, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it immediately. Instead, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it later, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. Freezing homemade lasagna is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time without sacrificing taste or quality.

What are some variations of Homemade Lasagna?

There are numerous variations of homemade lasagna that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can create a vegetarian version using spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini instead of meat. For a lighter option, try using thin slices of eggplant in place of traditional pasta sheets. Additionally, consider making a white sauce lasagna by substituting marinara sauce with béchamel or Alfredo sauce. These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy this beloved dish!

Conclusion

In conclusion, homemade lasagna is a delightful dish that combines layers of pasta, savory sauces, and rich cheeses into one satisfying meal. With various ways to customize this recipe—from choosing ingredients to adjusting cooking methods—you can create a version that suits your tastes perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family night at home, homemade lasagna will surely impress your guests and loved ones alike. Embrace the joy of cooking by trying out this classic recipe today!

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