Easy Classic Homemade Lasagna 🫂🍝

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—hearty layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender noodles, and golden melted cheese. This classic homemade lasagna is straightforward, delicious, and perfect for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch! ❤️

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

For Assembly

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (340 g)
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Stir in ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Noodles

If using regular noodles, cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

1. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer noodles, then spread cheese mixture, then meat sauce, then mozzarella.
3. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil (spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before slicing. 🍴

Chef Tips

• Gordon Ramsay: “Brown the meat well—caramelization is key to deep flavor.”
• Ina Garten: “Use fresh parsley and basil for brightness in the sauce.”
• Bobby Flay: “Add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.”
• Ree Drummond: “Make it ahead—the flavors meld beautifully overnight.”

Nutrition & Health Benefits (Per Serving, 1/12)

Health & Safety Notes

• Ensure meat is fully cooked before layering.
• Lasagna should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, store up to 4 days.
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes, freeze unbaked or baked lasagna. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

3. Do I have to use ricotta?

No, cottage cheese or mascarpone work as substitutes.

4. What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

Mozzarella for stretch, ricotta for creaminess, Parmesan for salty bite.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms layer beautifully with sauce.

6. How long should lasagna rest?

At least 10 minutes—this helps it slice cleanly.

7. Can I use oven-ready noodles?

Yes, just add a little extra sauce so they cook through.

8. Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap meat with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.

9. What side dishes go well?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

10. How do I reheat lasagna?

Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes covered with foil.

Related Recipes on Fresh Toner Hungar

• Comforting Pasta Bakes
• Classic Italian Dishes
• Family-Friendly Meal Ideas

Final Thoughts

This Easy Classic Homemade Lasagna is everything you love about Italian comfort food: cheesy, saucy, hearty, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this recipe guarantees a family favorite for years to come. 🫂🍝