If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, then this Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, this timeless Italian dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a wonderful blend of robust flavors and satisfying textures that come together to create a meal worth making again and again. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver that authentic, delicious lasagna experience that everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For an unforgettable lasagna, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just simple, quality components that each play their vital role in perfect harmony. From the savory meats to the fresh herbs, each ingredient enriches the dish with its unique flavor and texture, making every bite a delight.
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful, slightly spiced meatiness that makes the sauce complex and tasty.
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty substance and balances the sausage’s sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a classic aromatic base.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy backbone of the meat sauce.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and body to the sauce.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous brightness to the meat sauce.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Brings classic Italian herbal notes.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Enhances the complexity with a blend of herbs.
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional): Adds a subtle anise flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese): Provides creamy richness between the layers.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the ricotta mixture for a smooth spread.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh color and flavor to the cheese mix.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Seasoning to enhance the cheese filling.
- 12 lasagna noodles: The sturdy yet tender layers that hold the whole dish together.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, irresistible layers.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top and within for a nutty, savory finish.
How to Make Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Begin by cooking the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown everything evenly, breaking up the meat, and then drain excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. This rich base is key to developing that deep, comforting flavor.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if you’re using them, and seasoning with salt and black pepper. Let this simmer uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally so all the flavors marry beautifully and the sauce thickens just right.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them tender but still sturdy enough to hold up in layers. Drain and set aside, ready for assembly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the beaten egg, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. This mix adds a creamy, flavory layer that contrasts beautifully with the hearty meat sauce, giving each bite a smooth and mellow texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down 4 cooked noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over those noodles. Sprinkle on one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a dash of Parmesan cheese. Follow with another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing off with a generous topping of meat sauce and Parmesan—this final cheese layer gives it that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat everything through and prevent it from drying out. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and mouthwateringly delicious. Finally, let it rest for 15 minutes—this crucial step helps the layers to set so your slices come out perfect every time.
How to Serve Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a wonderful fresh touch and a pop of vibrant green color. Consider adding a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. These simple garnishes make the dish look inviting and enhance the flavor.
Side Dishes
Classic lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce and cheese. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the hearty flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, which make the meal feel extra special and allow for customizable toppings. You could also try layering the lasagna in a deep pie dish for a lasagna pot pie effect, giving it a crispy baked edge all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers are a treasure! After it has completely cooled, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen as it rests, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
This Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble your lasagna in a freezer-safe container and freeze before baking for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake following the usual steps. You’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you want without any stress.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, microwaving works well—just cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to keep moisture in and heat on medium power to avoid drying.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a convenient shortcut. Just layer them as you would the cooked noodles, but make sure to add a little extra sauce to help them soften during baking.
What’s the best way to prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking?
After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together and makes layering easier.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a lighter alternative. Some people like mixing it with ricotta for a slightly different texture. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid watery layers.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the meats for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, sautéed with the onions and garlic. Use a robust marinara sauce instead of a meat sauce to maintain richness and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble your lasagna and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes for an easy dinner plan.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that brings family and friends together around the table. I encourage you to make it your own, savor the process, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Homemade Classic Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic homemade lasagna recipe features a rich and savory meat sauce layered with tender lasagna noodles and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Slow-simmered to develop deep flavors and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, diced onions, and minced garlic until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if using, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered on low heat for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set them aside, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined. Set aside for assembly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce layer.
- Layer Cheese and Sauce: Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer. Then add another layer of meat sauce on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce, finishing with a final generous layer of meat sauce and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve warm, delicious portions.
Notes
- Fennel seeds are optional but add a nice subtle flavor to the meat sauce.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles; al dente ensures they hold up well in the layers.
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor but dried herbs are fine substitutes.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
