Easy Homemade Lasagna is the kind of dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella come together to make a classic meal that everyone loves. It’s a simple recipe that turns into a family favorite with every bite.
I love how easy this lasagna comes together without needing fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It’s one of those meals I can make ahead of time, so when I’m ready to eat, all I have to do is pop it in the oven. That’s a total win on busy days when I still want something homemade and comforting.
My favorite way to enjoy this lasagna is with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, and somehow, it always brings everyone around the table ready for seconds. I think once you try this recipe, it’ll be a go-to for your dinners too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Homemade Lasagna
Lasagna Noodles: Regular or no-boil noodles both work well. No-boil saves time but add extra sauce to keep it moist. For gluten-free, look for special gf noodles or use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as a noodle swap.
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, swap beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creamy texture. You can mix in a bit of cottage cheese or use a plant-based ricotta if avoiding dairy. Adding the egg helps the mixture hold together nicely.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella melts nicely for that gooey top. You can use part-skim mozzarella for less fat. Parmesan adds sharp flavor but can be skipped or replaced with Pecorino Romano if desired.
Marinara Sauce & Herbs: Using a good-quality sauce is key since it flavors the entire dish. Feel free to add fresh basil or oregano for a fresher herb note.
How Do You Assemble and Bake Lasagna for Best Layers and Texture?
Building layers evenly makes a big difference. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a thin sauce layer on the dish bottom to stop noodles from sticking.
- Lay noodles flat without overlapping to ensure even baking.
- Spread the cheese mixture gently but evenly—avoid clumps to keep texture smooth.
- Top with sauce and sprinkle cheese evenly for gooey, golden melts.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in and prevent cheese from burning.
- Uncover near the end to brown the cheese nicely.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and makes cutting easier.
Following these steps gives you gooey, perfectly cooked layers without dry noodles or soggy textures. Patience during layering and resting makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I like this size because it fits the layers perfectly and bakes evenly.
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles until al dente; a tall one makes it easier to handle.
- Skillet – to cook the ground beef mixture; non-stick makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the ricotta mixture and prepping ingredients.
- Sauce spoon or ladle – helps spread the sauce smoothly between layers.
- Aluminum foil – covers the dish during baking to keep it moist.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the lasagna after resting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for leaner options or use sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Add cooked spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for extra greens and nutrients.
- Mix in different herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or red pepper flakes for more flavor.
- Use provolone or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for different cheesy tastes.
Easy Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz / 680g) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lasagna recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 45 minutes to bake, and an additional 10 minutes to rest before serving. So, plan for roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain them carefully and lay them flat on parchment paper or foil so they don’t stick together.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly on top of the noodles. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella on top.
Repeat these layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, then serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles work great and save you time. Just be sure to use a bit extra sauce to keep the layers moist since these noodles absorb more liquid during baking.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.