Name: Classic Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (6 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 16 oz ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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This classic homemade lasagna is the epitome of comfort food. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella, it’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. Rich, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, this lasagna is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Classic Homemade Lasagna

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 lasagna noodles

1 lb ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (6 oz) can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

16 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Stir until smooth.

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by more meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Variations

While this classic lasagna is perfect on its own, I sometimes like to mix things up with these variations:

Vegetarian Lasagna: Instead of ground beef, I swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a lighter, vegetable-filled version.

Meat Lovers Lasagna: If I'm craving more protein, I add cooked sausage or pepperoni to the meat sauce for an extra savory punch.

Ricotta Alternative: For a different cheese flavor, I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a slightly tangier taste.

Spicy Lasagna: A few dashes of red pepper flakes in the sauce give the dish a nice, spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I place individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil. I sometimes sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to make it even cheesier.

FAQs

How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?

I make sure to cook the meat sauce down long enough to thicken it and avoid watery layers. If the sauce seems too runny, I let it simmer a bit longer before layering it.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. I then bake it the next day, which makes it even easier for weeknight meals or gatherings.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely! I sometimes make extra and freeze it for later. I assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze. When I’m ready to bake it, I just add an extra 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this lasagna?

I love serving lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread. The freshness of the salad and the crunch of the bread balance the richness of the lasagna perfectly.

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

Yes, if I prefer no-boil noodles, I just make sure the sauce is extra thick and use the same layering technique. The noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce while baking.

Conclusion

This classic homemade lasagna is one of those timeless dishes that always hits the spot. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. The layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and cheesy goodness come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna never fails to impress!

Recipe:

Classic Homemade Lasagna

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This classic homemade lasagna is a comforting and indulgent dish with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella. It's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Stir until smooth.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by more meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.