Name: Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked); ½ pound lean ground beef; ½ pound Italian sausage; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 36 ounces pasta sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg, beaten; ¼ teaspoon salt

If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, then you’ve come to the right place. This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is a total game changer. I love this because it brings together layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese that bake into pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Italian classics, you’ll find that making lasagna from scratch at home is simpler than it seems—and absolutely worth every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry and fridge staples that you probably already have on hand.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian sausage and ground beef makes the sauce extra savory and rich.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance, so dinner is ready whenever you need it.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it never lasts long—guaranteed to please all ages.

The image shows a white square dish with several layers of lasagna. The bottom layer is soft cooked pasta sheets, topped by a thick layer of brown meat sauce mixed with reddish tomato sauce that looks chunky and moist. Above this is another layer of pasta, followed by a thick spread of melted light yellow cheese with golden brown spots, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. One piece of lasagna has been taken out, revealing the layers clearly on a white marbled surface. The cheese on top looks bubbly and slightly browned with a bit of gooey stretched texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Homemade Lasagna, homemade lasagna, Italian lasagna, best lasagna recipe, how to make lasagna

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference in your easy homemade lasagna recipe. Fresh quality matters, especially when it comes to cheese and meat. I always pick a flavorful Italian sausage and fresh parsley for that burst of herbaceousness, and it really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of uncooked rectangular lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small pile of shredded Parmesan cheese, a fresh whole yellow onion with shiny skin, two whole cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pasta sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding thick, deep red tomato paste, fresh bright green parsley sprigs loosely arranged, a raw whole egg with a smooth clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy white ricotta cheese, and fresh raw lean ground beef and Italian sausage side by side in small portions placed on a simple white ceramic dish, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Homemade Lasagna, homemade lasagna, Italian lasagna, best lasagna recipe, how to make lasagna

Lasagna noodles: Uncooked noodles save you a step and soak up just the right amount of sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully and gives that signature stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that rounds out the cheese flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the layers, so don’t skip or skimp!
Lean ground beef: Provides hearty, savory base flavor.
Italian sausage: I like to use sweet or mild depending on my mood; it adds that authentic Italian depth.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and balances out the meatiness.
Garlic: A must for that aromatic punch.
Pasta sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for best results—just go for a robust flavor.
Tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the dish together.
Ricotta cheese: For that creamy, dreamy layer—you can swap in cottage cheese if you prefer.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the ricotta mixture with fresh herbiness.
Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so it holds up perfectly when sliced.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this easy homemade lasagna recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to make it your own by swapping in elements that suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few tweaks I’ve tried and loved over the years.

Vegetarian: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty veggie version that doesn’t skimp on flavor—I promise it’s just as satisfying.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a little heat; my husband swears by this one!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced zucchini as lasagna sheets—perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.
Cheese Swap: For a richer bite, blend some shredded provolone or fontina cheese with the mozzarella.

How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your uncooked lasagna noodles and cook them until just al dente—firm to the bite but not hard. I like rinsing them under cold water afterward to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean towel or baking sheet to keep them separated and ready for layering.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

While the noodles cook, brown your ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onion, and garlic in a large skillet or Dutch oven. This combo of meats is what really gives the sauce its signature depth. Once browned, drain any excess fat, then stir in your pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and marry the flavors. Trust me, this step is where your kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, fresh parsley, the beaten egg, and a pinch of salt. This egg addition is a trick I learned early on to keep the mixture creamy but firm enough so it won’t ooze out when you cut into the lasagna.

Step 4: Layer Like a Pro

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread 1 cup of your meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Add 3 noodles over it, then spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture and 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat these layers twice more. Finish with a top layer of noodles covered in the remaining sauce.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling. If you want that perfect golden crust, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Don’t Overcook Noodles: Make sure your noodles are al dente because they’ll continue cooking in the oven and you don’t want them mushy.
Brown Meat Well: Browning adds flavor, so take your time to get a good sear before adding sauce.
Rest Before Cutting: Allowing the lasagna to rest helps it set up, making clean slices much easier.
Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients evenly so every bite gets a perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and noodles.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered lasagna showing about four layers of pasta sheets and rich sauce mixed with browned ground meat. The top layer has melted, slightly browned cheese with scattered green herb pieces. The lasagna is cut into six hearty square servings, and around the dish there is a striped cloth and a small bowl of green herbs. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Homemade Lasagna, homemade lasagna, Italian lasagna, best lasagna recipe, how to make lasagna

Garnishes

I like to finish my lasagna with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or extra parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving adds that extra savory touch that everyone notices.

Side Dishes

Simple is best—serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and some warm, garlicky breadsticks. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins to make personal lasagna cups. They’re fun, portable, and look so charming on a buffet table. Plus, they heat up quickly for leftovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers are the best kind of leftovers. I store mine in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, it tastes just as good because the flavors have had even more time to meld together.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I usually assemble it completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights or meal prepping.

Reheating

When reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through to keep it moist and avoid drying out. If reheating individual slices in the microwave, add a small splash of water on top and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the meat sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the meat sauce a day or two in advance not only saves time on assembly day but also deepens the flavors as it sits. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before layering.
Do I need to boil noodles before assembling?

This recipe calls for cooking noodles al dente ahead of time, which helps ensure they’re tender after baking. Some brands of noodles are no-boil, but I find boiling gives better control over texture.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese works great as a substitute and can make the dish a bit lighter. I usually blend it a bit before mixing to get a smoother texture closer to ricotta.
How long does it take to make this lasagna from start to finish?

From prepping to baking, it usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes time to cook noodles, brown meat, assemble layers, and bake. Plan to let it rest before serving to achieve clean slices.

Final Thoughts

I just can’t get enough of this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners and get-togethers, and every time it brings out smiles and happy sighs. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s straightforward, delicious, and sure to impress, I highly recommend giving this a try. Once you’ve mastered this version, the sky’s the limit for customizing it and making it your own family’s go-to comfort food.