This Homemade Lasagna is simple and classic. It uses common ingredients and clear steps. If you want a different cozy meal idea, try this related lasagna soup crockpot recipe for a fast twist on the same flavors.
Why make this recipe
Homemade lasagna gives you warm, cheesy comfort. It feeds a family, works for guests, and cooks ahead for busy days. The layers of noodles, meat, and cheese make a full meal that many people love.
How to make Homemade Lasagna
You build this lasagna in layers. Cook the noodles, make the meat sauce, mix the ricotta filling, then layer noodles, cheese, and sauce. Cover and bake until bubbly and golden. For a tip on timing and texture while you cook, see this helpful lasagna soup crockpot guide that shows how to keep flavors rich and simple.
Ingredients :
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Ground beef or sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic
- Onion
- Egg
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Italian seasoning
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Begin layering: spread sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
How to serve Homemade Lasagna
Let the lasagna rest 5–10 minutes so it sets and slices clean. Serve with a simple green salad and warm bread. For another serving idea with the same cozy flavor, you can look at this lasagna soup crockpot recipe to serve as a starter or side.
How to store Homemade Lasagna
- Room temperature: let cool fully, then cover. Do not leave out more than 2 hours.
- Fridge: store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: freeze in a sealed dish for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Tips to make Homemade Lasagna
- Use no-boil noodles to save time, or boil regular noodles as the package says.
- Drain excess fat from the meat to keep the lasagna from being greasy.
- Taste the sauce and season more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for better flavor.
- Let it rest before cutting to keep neat slices.
Variation
- Make it vegetarian: replace meat with cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- Add layers of sliced eggplant or roasted peppers for extra veg.
- Make a white sauce version: swap marinara for a béchamel and add spinach.
FAQs
Q: Can I use no-boil noodles?
A: Yes. No-boil noodles work well and save time. Follow package notes for layering.
Q: Can I make lasagna ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep covered in the fridge for a day, then bake when ready. You can also freeze before baking.
Q: How do I stop the lasagna from being watery?
A: Drain cooked meat, use less sauce if it is very thin, and let the baked lasagna rest before slicing.
Q: Can I use part-skim cheeses?
A: Yes. Part-skim ricotta and mozzarella lower fat but still give good texture.
Q: What size baking dish should I use?
A: A 9×13-inch dish is common and fits the layers well.
Conclusion
If you want a simple step-by-step version, check this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe – Spend With Pennies for clear photos and tips. For a highly rated, rich version to compare techniques, read The BEST Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Top-Rated Recipe). For a classic, well-tested recipe with many reviews, see the Homemade Lasagna Recipe on Allrecipes.

Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients
Noodles and Cheese
- 12 oz Lasagna noodles Use regular or no-boil noodles.
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Fresh is recommended for better flavor.
- 16 oz Mozzarella cheese Shredded or sliced.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for best flavor.
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Ground beef or sausage Can be replaced with turkey or a vegetarian option.
- 24 oz Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 1 medium Onion Chopped.
Seasoning
- 1 large Egg Helps bind the ricotta filling.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to form the filling.
Assembling the Lasagna
- Spread some sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer with cooked noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
