Let me guess—you’re craving a warm, cheesy, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a pan? I’ve got you. This is the best homemade lasagna recipe I’ve ever made (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot). It’s rich, hearty, full of flavor, and the best part? It’s way easier than it looks.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by lasagna from scratch, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it step by step. You and I are in this together, and by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to make lasagna like a pro.
What Makes This the Best Lasagna?
Great question. The secret to an unforgettable lasagna is layers of flavor—literally. We’re talking about a deeply savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta. This is the kind of easy lasagna recipe that becomes your go-to for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or just because you need some comfort food in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Sauce:
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the kick!)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Cheese Filling:
- 1½ cups full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Assemble:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
How Long Does It Take to Make Homemade Lasagna?
Don’t let the layers fool you—prep time is only 15–20 minutes. The rest is baking and letting your house fill with the most mouthwatering smells. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make a lasagna that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
How to Make Lasagna From Scratch
1. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft—just about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and pork. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain the excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
Now stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes while the flavors get to know each other. Go ahead and taste—add more salt or herbs if you like. While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, dried basil, salt, and pepper. You want it nice and smooth so it spreads easily (or at least dollops easily—we’re not aiming for perfection here, just deliciousness).
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Boil the noodles in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them out flat on parchment or foil so they don’t stick together. Trust me—this little trick saves a lot of frustration when it’s time to layer.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce—this keeps the noodles from sticking to the bottom. Then layer like this:
- 3 noodles
- ⅓ of the meat sauce
- ⅓ of the ricotta filling (just drop spoonfuls evenly)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Repeat the layers two more times. For the final layer, sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and all the parmesan cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing—this is the hardest part, I know. But it helps everything hold together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Ever
- Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella – the richness is worth it.
- Let it rest after baking – it’ll slice so much cleaner.
- Make it ahead of time – lasagna is one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day.
- Want to freeze it? Assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Then just thaw and bake when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
If you’ve made it this far—congrats, you now know how to make the best homemade lasagna ever! Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving comfort food that hits, this recipe is the one. Don’t be surprised if people start calling you their favorite chef.
Got leftovers? Even better. Lasagna makes the best next-day lunch (or breakfast—no judgment here).
Craving More?
If you loved this lasagna, stick around! I’ve got more cozy, homemade meal ideas coming your way. Let’s keep cooking together. 💛
