This Easy Homemade Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings together layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and hearty meat or veggies. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and promises a warm, satisfying meal every time.
I love making this lasagna because it’s simple enough to put together on a busy weeknight but special enough to serve when you have family or friends over. The best part is how you can customize it easily—whether you like lots of cheese, extra spinach, or a bit more garlic in the sauce, it’s your lasagna to make your own.
One tip I always follow is to let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking—this helps it set up so it’s easier to cut and keeps all those yummy layers in place. Serve it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to bring smiles and full bellies around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best here. You can use no-boil noodles to save time just add a bit more sauce to keep it moist. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles also work well if needed.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for flavor without too much fat. You can switch to ground turkey or plant-based meat to make it lighter or vegetarian.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese is a good substitute but blend it smooth first to mimic that texture.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully and Parmesan adds nice tang. Feel free to mix in provolone or use a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred marinara works fine, but homemade sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce will boost the taste. You can sneak in extra herbs or veggies here.
How Do I Assemble Lasagna Layers Perfectly?
Layering is the secret to lasagna’s charm, keeping every bite balanced with sauce, cheese, and noodles. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with sauce: Spread a thin even layer of sauce at the bottom to stop noodles sticking.
- Noodles come next: Lay them flat and overlapping slightly. Don’t overcrowd.
- Cheese layers: Spread ricotta evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella—this combo keeps it creamy and cheesy.
- Repeat: Keep layers even and don’t skimp on sauce or cheese; it helps the lasagna stay moist and flavorful.
- Top layer: Use extra mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish.
Once layered, cover with foil for the first baking phase to lock in moisture. Remove foil near the end so the top gets that perfect golden brown crust. Let it rest after baking to help it set and slice cleanly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I prefer it because it’s just the right size to hold all the layers evenly.
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles, making the process quick and easy.
- Large skillet – to brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic, saving you from extra pans.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the ricotta and eggs smoothly and prep the ingredients.
- Aluminum foil – helps cover the lasagna while baking so it stays moist.
- Oven mitts and a spatula – for safe handling and serving the hot dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for leaner options or to change the flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta layer for some greens and extra nutrients.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the meat sauce for more texture and flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus 50 minutes baking time and 15 minutes resting before slicing and serving. Overall, plan roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the Ricotta Layer:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth and well mixed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay 3 cooked noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat this layering two more times: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
5. Top and Bake:
For the final layer, place noodles on top, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes after baking – this helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna with a simple green salad or some warm garlic bread for a perfect meal!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time since you can skip the boiling step. Just make sure to add a little extra sauce so they cook fully and stay moist during baking.
How Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also increase the amount of cheese and add spinach or other veggies to the ricotta layer for extra flavor and texture.
Can I Prepare the Lasagna in Advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna fully, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until heated through.