Description
This Homemade Lasagna recipe layers tender pasta sheets with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs to create a comforting and hearty Italian classic. Perfect for any occasion, it offers simple steps, customizable options, and delicious results that make it a beloved meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Additional Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Seasonings
- Olive oil (for cooking and oiling noodles)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and pork, breaking apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, fresh basil, and oregano. Simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: If using regular noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay noodles on a lightly oiled surface and set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer noodles over sauce, spread cheese mixture evenly, add a generous layer of meat sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, reserving mozzarella and Parmesan for the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, whole-milk ricotta and good-quality mozzarella for best flavor and melt.
- Limit layering to 3-4 layers to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.
- Taste meat sauce before assembling and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking to firm up for clean, neat slices.
- Keep covered during most of the baking time to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: homemade lasagna, classic lasagna, Italian recipe, comfort food, baked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella
