Comforting Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Your Family’s Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering easy homemade lasagna recipe brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Layers of rich pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese create a classic Italian masterpiece.

Generations have perfected this hearty dish, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Tender noodles nestle between robust sauce and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal.

Childhood memories often dance around the warm, aromatic presence of lasagna cooling on the counter.

Simple ingredients combine to produce an extraordinary culinary experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef instead of a beef and pork mixture?

Absolutely! You can use 100% ground beef if preferred. Just ensure the meat is browned thoroughly and drained of excess fat.

• Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

No, this recipe uses uncooked noodles that will cook perfectly in the sauce during baking. This method saves time and reduces dishes.

• How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?

Check that the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. Insert a knife in the center to ensure the noodles are tender and cooked through.

Why Easy Homemade Lasagna Is a Classic

• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories around the dinner table with this classic comfort food that brings everyone together, sparking conversations and sharing love through a hearty, homemade meal.
• Master Layered Deliciousness: Enjoy the perfect combination of rich bolognese sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese in every single bite, offering a complex flavor profile that satisfies all taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring it fits perfectly with your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• Impressive yet Simple: Wow your guests with a restaurant-quality dish that looks complicated but requires basic cooking skills, making you feel like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A rich protein base that adds deep flavor to the Bolognese sauce.
• Ground Pork: Enhances the meat mixture with additional richness and depth.

• Lasagna Noodles: The classic layered pasta that forms the structure of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth filling layer for the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty and stretchy cheese topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty finishing touch to the dish.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture together.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Form the base of the rich Bolognese sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor to the sauce.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic base flavors for the sauce.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that enhance the sauce's flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Season and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the lasagna during initial baking.

How to Prepare Easy Homemade Lasagna

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Goodness

• Ground beef
• Ground pork

Drop the meat into the pan and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light and delicious.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Symphony

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Sugar
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in all the sauce ingredients, letting them mingle and create a flavor explosion.

Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer and develop its rich character for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Ricotta Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Dried basil
• Salt

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, dried basil, and a pinch of salt.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Crank up the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and get ready for layering magic.

Step 6: Create the First Layer

Spread a thin blanket of bolognese sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.

Lay down three uncooked lasagna noodles like a cozy foundation.

Step 7: Build the Flavor Layers

Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

Ladle one-third of the bolognese sauce on top.

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella to add some cheesy love.

Step 8: Repeat the Delicious Layers

Repeat the layering process two more times.

End with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a crown of mozzarella.

Dust the top with a snowfall of Parmesan cheese.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the lasagna rest and cool for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Tips for Easy Homemade Lasagna Success

• Select high-quality ground beef and pork with good fat content for richer, more flavorful bolognese sauce.
• Drain excess fat from meat completely to prevent a watery lasagna and ensure a thick, hearty sauce.
• Create even layers of noodles, ricotta, and bolognese sauce for consistent taste and texture in every bite.
• Allow lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make slicing easier without falling apart.
• Mix different cheese types like mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex and delicious cheesy profile.

Variations to Personalize Homemade Lasagna

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or tofu crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of meat for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini slices. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute noodles with thin slices of eggplant or butternut squash. Use cauliflower ricotta for a lighter cheese mixture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu ricotta. Use dairy-free mozzarella and skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Lasagna

• Fresh Garden Salad Pairing: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich lasagna flavors.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the lasagna to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Wine Selection Delight: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust meat sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Family-Style Presentation: Bring the lasagna directly to the table in its baking dish, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy the warm, comforting meal together.

How to Store Easy Homemade Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering and placing in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Cut a single serving and place on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove lasagna from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting lasagna layers promise a delightful Italian classic that sings with rich flavors and hearty textures. Cheesy pasta sheets nestled between savory meat sauce invite you to savor each mouthwatering bite of this irresistible family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound ground pork

Herbs and Spices:

• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Ricotta Filling:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste

Cheese and Noodles:

• 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook briefly, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce ground beef and pork, breaking meat into small crumbles. Cook until thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes. Generously season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer, developing rich flavors for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Whisk ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and salt in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Create a thin foundation of bolognese sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
9. Arrange uncooked lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce.
10. Carefully spread one-third of ricotta mixture across noodles, followed by one-third of bolognese sauce.
11. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce layer.
12. Repeat layering process two additional times, ensuring final layer consists of noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
13. Dust top with Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor.
14. Seal dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15. Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection.
16. Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a rich, concentrated sauce texture.
• Choose high-quality ground meats for deeper flavor and better overall taste in the bolognese sauce.
• Replace traditional pasta sheets with zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains delicious layers.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling lasagna in advance and refrigerating or freezing before baking, making weeknight dinners easier and more convenient.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 656 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg