Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is a classic comfort food made simple! Think layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese, and hearty meat or veggies all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of dish that feels both special and familiar at the same time.
I love making this lasagna because it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, but it still delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling that homemade meals give. My little secret is to use pre-made sauce when I’m short on time—it still tastes great, and I can focus on layering the ingredients just right. I also like to add a pinch of fresh herbs to brighten up the flavors.
Serving this dish straight from the oven, with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread, makes for a meal that everyone around the table smiles about. I’ve found that lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or when friends come over. Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully, so you get to enjoy it even more the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Traditional noodles work well, but if you want to save time, use no-boil noodles. Gluten-free noodles are a great option too – just check cooking times.
Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep it from being too greasy. If you want a lighter or veggie version, swap for ground turkey or lentils.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers. For a dairy-free choice, try blended silken tofu or a plant-based ricotta alternative.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: They melt beautifully and add flavor. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or a mild cheddar. Parmesan can be left out, but it adds great sharpness if you have it.
Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought works. I prefer a sauce with good herbs. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
How Can You Get a Perfect, Evenly Layered Lasagna?
Layering is key to lasagna’s neat, tasty structure. Here’s how to make it easy and uniform:
- Start with a thin sauce layer on the bottom to stop noodles from sticking.
- Lay noodles flat without overlapping too much; use three per layer if your dish is standard size.
- Spread ricotta evenly using the back of a spoon or spatula so every bite gets cheese.
- Distribute mozzarella in a thin, even layer to get that gooey melt.
- Repeat layers gently—pressing too hard can squish the noodles and cause messiness.
- Cover with foil during most of baking to keep moisture in; remove it near the end for golden cheese.
Taking your time with each layer will pay off when you slice into that perfect piece of lasagna!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – For boiling the noodles, I like a big one to prevent overflowing and make stirring easy.
- Skillet – Use one that’s deep enough to cook the beef mixture without splatters, with a lid for simmering.
- Mixing bowls – For blending the ricotta mixture and prepping ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – The classic size to layer and bake your lasagna evenly.
- Aluminum foil – To cover and keep in moisture during baking, preventing the top from drying out.
- Spatula or large spoon – For spreading sauces and cheeses smoothly during assembly.
- Cooking spoon – To stir the meat sauce and keep everything combined.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option or milder flavor.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition and texture.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- Try a different cheese like provolone, mozzarella sticks, or a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar mixture on top for a different melt and flavor.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, 50 minutes of baking, and 10-15 minutes resting time before serving. So plan for roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes total – mostly hands-off baking magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean towel or parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the ground beef, cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble Your Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by about half a cup of shredded mozzarella. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
5. Bake and Serve:
Top the final layer with any remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time since you don’t need to pre-cook them. Just make sure to use enough sauce so they soften properly during baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble your lasagna completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.