Traditional Lasagna Recipe

The secret to my perfect homemade lasagna is all in how I stack those layers of rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and delicious cheese!

My Favorite Recipe for Lasagna

Ready to master my perfect recipe for homemade lasagna? You know, the kind that has the whole family asking for seconds or relatives begging you for the recipe? The secret is all in the layering!

Getting that just-right mix of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese is what makes this dish go from good to “can’t-stop-eating-this” amazing.

And once you see how it’s done, you’ll be able to make show-stealing baked lasagna every single time.

It’s a tradition in my family to always have a nice hearty lasagna on the table for Christmas. While it’s great to jazz things up for the holidays, this recipe is so good that my husband Ben asks for it all year round. His craziness even asked me to make it in the super hot August weather here in New York!

So whether I’m whipping it up for a hearty weeknight meal or a special occasion, my lasagna is about to become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive in and layer up some deliciousness!

Homemade Lasagna Ingredients

• Ground beef – I use a lean ground beef, but any kind of ground meat will work
• Sweet Italian sausage – this adds an extra bit of heartiness
• Onion and garlic – adds flavor to the sauce and dish as as whole
• Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes – I use both kinds to get a nice sauce base with a bit of chunks in it
• Cheese – Ricotta and mozzarella are my go-tos
• Parsley and Italian seasoning – these herbs bring the Italian flavor to the dish
• Lasagna noodles – to layer in between the meat sauce layers, but any kind of pasta will work
• Salt and pepper – to make the flavors of all other ingredients really pop

Best Cheese for Lasagna

Would you believe you only need two types of cheese to make the ultimate homemade lasagna recipe?

Whole milk ricotta gives the cheese layer amazing creaminess, while mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch. 

Together, they make the perfect cheesy duo!

Traditional Lasagna Recipe Substitutions

• Swap beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I love using ground turkey.
• Switch out shredded mozzarella for a mozzarella block cut into chunks. My daughter loves when I use them. Do not use fresh mozzarella, as it has too much liquid inside.
• Substitute cottage cheese in place of ricotta, or use a mixture of both.
• Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this meal friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Homemade Lasagna

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a large pot with hot water, cook the lasagna sheets according to package directions.

STEP TWO: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook lean ground beef and sausage until they are no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

STEP THREE: Add onions and garlic to the meat and cook until they turn tender, about 3 minutes.

STEP FOUR: Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the homemade meat sauce for 30-45 minutes.

STEP FIVE: In a bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, an egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to taste.

STEP SIX: Brush or spray a 9×13 casserole dish with olive oil, then spread about 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce in the bottom. Top the sauce with 3-4 cooked lasagna noodles.

STEP SEVEN: Spread about 1 1⁄2 cups of meat sauce over the noodles and then ½ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top it with 1⁄2 cup of mozzarella.

STEP EIGHT: Repeat the layers, beginning with the noodles and ending with the remaining cheese sauce and mozzarella.

STEP NINE: Cover the unbaked lasagna with aluminum foil and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake until bubbly and the cheese is golden.

STEP TEN: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before garnishing with parsley or fresh basil and serving with Italian salad, garlic knots, and homemade garlic bread.

How Long Does Lasagna Take to Cook?

I find the total baking time for this homemade lasagna recipe is usually between 45 minutes and an hour. I know it’s ready when the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is golden. 

But I always let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to get those perfect slices!

Classic Lasagna Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use 80/20 lean ground beef to get great flavor without making your sauce too oily.
• Let the meat sauce simmer for the full 45 minutes to get the maximum depth of flavor.
• Spray the casserole dish with olive oil to prevent your lasagna from sticking. I also always put a sauce layer down first or the lasagna will stick more.
• Give the lasagna 10-15 minutes to rest before cutting into it to get the best slices.
• Top with fresh parsley to add some delicious herb flavor to your rich baked lasagna.

Baked Lasagna Recipe Variations

• Substitute grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for the beef and sausage to create a meat-free sauce.
• Dial up the heat by adding a dash of red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne to your sauce. My husband loves when I do this!
• Swap half the ricotta for cottage cheese to add another flavor element and to lighten up the cheese sauce.

What to Serve with Lasagna

• Air Fryer Garlic Bread
• Air Fryer Garlic Knots
• Garlic Cheese Bread
• Sauteed Butternut Squash

Storing Leftover Baked Lasagna

I keep leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s properly cooled before storing so excess condensation doesn’t make it soggy.

Freezing Homemade Lasagna

I love freezing my classic lasagna recipe! I just wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. I then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat this Recipe for Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Cover the lasagna with foil. 
3. Reheat in the oven until it’s heated through. 

Traditional Lasagna Recipe FAQs

Should I bake lasagna covered or uncovered?

I start by baking the lasagna covered with aluminum foil. This allows it to cook evenly without burning the top.

After 45 minutes, if the cheese isn’t golden yet, you can remove the foil.

Is it better to bake lasagna in glass or metal pan?

Glass pans are preferable as they heat more evenly and prevent the bottom from burning. 

However, a metal pan works well if that’s what you have on hand – just be careful not to overcook the lasagna!

More Pasta Recipes:

• Cheesy Taco Lasagna
• Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
• Ravioli Lasagna
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
• Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese
• BLT Pasta Salad