The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Every home cook needs a go-to lasagna recipe, and this one is the real deal! This isn’t a quick or semi-homemade version—it’s the classic, from-scratch kind with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and plenty of gooey cheese. Don’t be intimidated, though! While it does take a bit of time, the steps are simple and totally worth it. One bite of this hot, comforting homemade lasagna, and you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen.

What’s in This Classic Lasagna?

To make this hearty homemade lasagna, you’ll need three main components: a flavorful meat sauce, a creamy ricotta cheese filling, and all the classic lasagna layers.

For the Meat Sauce:

Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Ground beef
Ground pork
Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Granulated sugar
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Filling:

Full-fat ricotta cheese
Egg
Dried basil
Salt and pepper

For Assembling the Lasagna:

Lasagna noodles
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated parmesan cheese

How Long Does It Take?

Don’t worry—while this recipe isn’t lightning-fast, most of the time is hands-off. Prep takes just 15–20 minutes, and baking does the rest. Let’s break it down:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic for about 1 minute, until translucent.
Add ground beef and ground pork, cooking until browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Add three noodles in a single layer. Spread ⅓ of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the ricotta filling (drop spoonfuls if it’s hard to spread), and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with mozzarella on top. Sprinkle grated parmesan over everything.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

What Meat Is Best for Lasagna?

You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination. This recipe uses a blend of ground beef and ground pork for a rich, savory flavor. For a lighter version, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken.

Pro Tips

Drain excess fat from the meat for a less greasy casserole.
Have your meat sauce done before you cook the noodles—this keeps things efficient.
Keep an eye on your lasagna once the foil comes off. Ovens vary, so melting and browning time may differ.

Love Baked Pasta? Try These Too:

Easy Baked Ziti
Best Chicken Spaghetti
White Cheese Chicken Lasagna
Creamy Crack Chicken Lasagna with Bacon and Ranch
Stuffed Pasta Shells

Final Thoughts

This homemade lasagna is pure comfort in a pan—cheesy, meaty, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a classic recipe you’ll come back to again and again.