Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, this easy homemade lasagna is it. Layers of rich, simmered meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella come together in one glorious pan that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for a holiday dinner. Even better, it’s a breeze to assemble ahead of time and freezes beautifully for later. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking the freezer with cozy dinners, this classic lasagna recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and lay flat on a baking sheet.
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 1/2 cups meat sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-25 minutes more, until bubbly and golden. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

No-boil noodles: Save time by using oven-ready lasagna noodles; just add an extra 1/2 cup of water to the sauce.
Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10 minutes to baking time.
Freezer friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
Meat options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Cheese blend: Try adding provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
Avoid soggy lasagna: Ensure noodles are well-drained and don’t oversauce.
Let it rest: Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe