There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy slice of homemade lasagna to bring everyone together around the table. This lasagna recipe layers tender pasta sheets with a rich, savory meat sauce and creamy, flavorful cheeses for a comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping ahead for a special occasion, this lasagna recipe is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll love how all the flavors meld perfectly, making it a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, hearty meat sauce with perfectly seasoned tomato flavor.
- Creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create irresistible layers.
- Uses simple ingredients easily found at any grocery store.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Comforting and satisfying with every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to build your delicious lasagna layers. You’ll need components for the meat sauce, cheese mixture, and pasta assembly.
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (one 28-oz can)
- 6 ounces tomato paste (one small can)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Assembly
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
How to Make Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 no-boil noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over noodles, then sprinkle with 1 1/3 cups mozzarella. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use no-boil noodles to save time and avoid extra steps.
- Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing to keep layers intact.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half the water with red wine.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor if available.
- Make it a day ahead—lasagna tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze lasagna tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. This keeps the texture and flavor close to fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make lasagna vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable-based sauce using mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Do I have to use no-boil noodles?
No-boil noodles save time, but you can use regular lasagna noodles if you boil them first according to package instructions before assembling.
How do I prevent lasagna from being watery?
Make sure to drain excess fat from cooked meat and don't add too much liquid to the sauce. Letting the lasagna rest before serving also helps the layers firm up.
Can I prepare lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! Assembling a day ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Store covered in the fridge and bake just before serving for best results.