How to Make the Best Homemade Lasagna: A Comfort Food Classic

 There’s something about lasagna that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just a craving for comfort food, lasagna never disappoints. Sure, you could grab a frozen one from the store or order it at a chain restaurant, but nothing beats the satisfaction of making it from scratch at home.

homemade lasagna recipe

I grew up in a household where lasagna was the ultimate celebration dish. My mom would layer it with love (and a lot of cheese), and the smell of it baking in the oven would bring everyone to the kitchen. Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe to make it my own, and now it’s a family favorite in my home too.

This recipe is for a classic, meaty, cheesy lasagna that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

• Comfort Food at Its Best: Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese—what’s not to love?

• Great for Leftovers: Lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, switch up the meat, or make it vegetarian—it’s versatile!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic lasagna that serves 8-10 people:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Layer:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled, depending on your preference)

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

2. Prepare the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Noodles (if not using oven-ready):
If you’re not using oven-ready noodles, boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents the noodles from sticking. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by:

• 1/3 of the meat sauce

• 1/2 of the ricotta mixture

• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese

Repeat the layers: noodles, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. For the final layer, add the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to impress. And don’t forget a glass of red wine—it pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This lasagna is the perfect balance of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. It’s a labor of love, but the steps are straightforward, and the result is worth every minute. Plus, it’s a great way to bring people together—there’s something magical about sharing a homemade lasagna with loved ones.

So, the next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the frozen aisle and make this lasagna instead. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Enjoy!