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Homemade Lasagna

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This Homemade Lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles. It’s a comforting classic that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For Assembly:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds (optional), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  • Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
  • Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the lasagna with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • For a lighter side, consider steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Lasagna freezes well! Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
  • Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly softer.

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