Easy Homemade Lasagna is a classic dish that brings everyone together with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when friends come over. The best part is how simple it is to put together, even if you’ve never made lasagna before.
I love making this lasagna because it’s so forgiving—you can tweak the ingredients to your taste, swap in veggies, or add extra cheese without any fuss. I usually like to prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge; it somehow tastes even better the next day when all those flavors get to know each other. Plus, having leftovers means lunch the next day feels just as special.
When I serve this lasagna, I like to keep it simple with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread on the side. It’s a meal that really shines when shared, and I’ve found it always gets people smiling and asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this easy homemade lasagna never disappoints and always hits the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great, but you can use no-boil noodles to save time. Just add a bit more sauce to keep them moist while baking.
Ground Beef: I like lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and less grease. Ground turkey or Italian sausage are tasty swaps for a different twist.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness. If you prefer, try cottage cheese but drain it well to avoid extra moisture.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have time. You can also mix in some crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully for that classic stretchy cheese. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. Feel free to use part-skim mozzarella for less fat.
How Can I Make Sure My Lasagna Layers Are Perfectly Even?
Even layers make lasagna look inviting and cook evenly. Here’s how to layer like a pro:
- Spread sauce smoothly on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Lay noodles side by side without overlapping; trim edges if needed.
- Spoon ricotta mixture in small dollops and spread gently—avoid clumps.
- Add cheese evenly so every bite has a gooey blend.
- Use the same order each time: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce.
- Press each layer lightly to keep everything compact but don’t squish.
Taking a little extra time with layering pays off with neat slices and balanced flavors. Plus, it helps the lasagna hold together when serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles until tender.
- Skillet or frying pan – to cook the meat, onions, and garlic.
- Mixing bowls – for combining ricotta, egg, and cheese ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – the perfect size to layer and bake your lasagna.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish during baking and prevent it from drying out.
- Slotted spoon or spatula – for layering and handling cooked noodles and sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked spinach or kale with the ricotta for a veggie boost. It adds color and nutrients.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for different flavors. Just cook thoroughly before layering.
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra texture and taste.
- Mix in red pepper flakes or fresh basil to spice up the sauce and add aroma.
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Time Needed
This lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prep, 40 minutes to cook, plus 10-15 minutes of resting time before serving. It’s a simple recipe that easily fits into a busy evening or a weekend meal plan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender yet firm (al dente). Drain well and lay them flat on foil or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Drain the excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to bring all the flavors together. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped parsley. Mix everything until it’s smooth and ready to spread over your lasagna noodles.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 4 cooked noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Top with one-third of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake and Serve
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil—try not to let it touch the cheese—to keep moisture inside. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley as a fresh garnish if you like.
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Regular Ones?
Yes! No-boil noodles are a great time saver. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce to keep the noodles moist as they cook in the oven.
How Can I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Are Good Substitutions for Ground Beef?
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Just cook the chosen meat thoroughly before assembling the lasagna.
