Classic Homemade Lasagna
There’s something about homemade lasagna that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven. Maybe it’s the way the cheese bubbles and turns golden on top, or how the rich tomato sauce fills the kitchen with that cozy, Sunday-dinner smell. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table a little faster — and keeps them there a little longer.
This classic lasagna is hearty, comforting, and layered with love. Tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melty mozzarella come together in the most satisfying way. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any night when you’re craving something truly comforting. And trust me — that first forkful, with all those layers stacked perfectly together, is pure magic.
Let’s make it.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the lasagna noodles and cook them until al dente — tender but still slightly firm.
Drain them carefully and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This little step keeps them from sticking together while you prepare everything else.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook for a few minutes until soft and slightly translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when that irresistible garlic aroma fills your kitchen.
3. Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and pork to the pan. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown fully, developing that deep, savory flavor.
If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off. We want rich — not greasy.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if you’re using it.
Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will deepen beautifully. Give it an occasional stir and enjoy that comforting, tomato-herb fragrance.
5. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of the Parmesan, and the chopped parsley.
Mix until smooth and creamy. It should look soft and spreadable — like a cloud of cheesy goodness.
6. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place three noodles on top.
Spread some of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Spoon over more meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
Repeat the layers — noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella — until everything is used up. Finish with a generous layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point.
8. Rest Before Serving
As tempting as it is to slice into it right away, let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the layers set so you get those clean, gorgeous slices.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Presentation
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle extra chopped parsley over the top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely touch too.
Serve each slice with a simple green salad and warm, crusty bread on the side. If you really want to elevate the moment, light a candle and pour a glass of red wine. The contrast of the vibrant greens against the golden, cheesy layers makes the whole table feel inviting and special.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 520 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 8 servings
Conclusion
Classic homemade lasagna is more than just dinner — it’s comfort layered in a baking dish. It’s the kind of recipe people request again and again, the one that makes leftovers something to look forward to.
If you’ve been craving something hearty, cozy, and guaranteed to impress, this is your sign to make it. Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy the process.
Because nothing beats pulling a bubbling, golden lasagna from the oven and knowing you made it from scratch. And once you taste that first warm, cheesy bite — you’ll be so glad you did.