There’s just something magical about Homemade Lasagna, isn’t there? It’s got all the things we love: layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta sheets binding it all together. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your belly – it fills your soul. This Homemade Lasagna is perfect for weeknight family dinners, cozy nights in, or when you’re showing off your cooking skills at a potluck. Sure, it takes a bit of love to prepare, but trust us, the end result is totally worth it. Let BellRecipes guide you through this culinary adventure – layer by delicious layer!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna might be the ultimate comfort food, wouldn’t you agree? This dish goes way back – originally from Italy, where they’ve mastered the art of layering pasta sheets, meaty sauces, and gooey cheese into something truly magical. But, over time, lasagna has become a universal favorite, especially here in the U.S. (cue fond memories of Garfield the cat wolfing down trays of it!). Making Homemade Lasagna isn’t exactly a one-pot meal – there’s a bit of prep involved. But that’s part of its charm! Think of it as a food craft project, where every layer is a step toward deliciousness. What makes this lasagna special is its rich, slow-simmered sauce and the blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan that ties it all together. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion – whether just an easy weeknight dinner for picky eaters or the centerpiece at your next big family gathering. Let’s roll up those sleeves and layer some yum, shall we?Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
- Perfect balance of meat, cheese, and pasta in every layer.
- Great for feeding a crowd – everyone loves lasagna!
- Freezes beautifully for easy future meals.
- Customizable for different diets (vegetarian or gluten-free adaptations).
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil sheets for convenience, or use boiled traditional noodles if you prefer.
- Ground Meat: Combo of beef and pork for a rich flavor, or sub with turkey or plant-based meat for a twist.
- Tomato Sauce: Grab your favorite jarred marinara, or make your own for a truly homemade vibe.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess; cottage cheese works if you’re in a pinch.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: The melty gooeyness? Non-negotiable. You can also try a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs are essential for that authentic taste.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and gather all your ingredients. If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and drain.
- Step 2: Prepare the sauce by browning the ground meat in a skillet. Add marinara sauce, seasoning, and let it simmer until thick and fragrant.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, an egg, and a pinch of Italian herbs. This will be your creamy, cheesy layer.
- Step 4: Start layering in a baking dish. Begin with a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom to keep the pasta from sticking, followed by lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until the dish is full, ending with a generous amount of mozzarella on top.
- Step 5: Cover the dish with foil (to avoid burning the top cheese) and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Step 6: Let your lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will keep it from falling apart when you plate it.
Expert Tips for Success
Use fresh herbs for an elevated flavor.
Don’t skip the resting step! It’s key for clean slices.
Layer thin sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
Use a good quality marinara for an effortless boost in taste.
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a mix of cheeses on the top layer.
Variations and Customizations
Want a lighter version? Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. If you’re feeding vegetarians, load up on mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of meat. Craving a spice kick? Add red pepper flakes to your sauce or layer in some spicy Italian sausage. For a gluten-free twist, sub regular noodles with gluten-free versions or use thinly sliced zucchini sheets.
Nutritional Information
Homemade Lasagna is a satisfying option for a hearty meal. Each serving has around 400-500 calories, depending on portion size. It’s packed with protein from the ground meat and cheeses and supplies ample carbohydrates for energy. While it’s not a low-fat option (thanks to the cheese), you can adjust the recipe by using part-skim ricotta and low-fat cheeses. Add veggies to sneak in some fiber and essential vitamins. Gluten-free noodles or veggie-based ones will reinforce its healthy twist, making this meal adaptable for many preferences.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve prepped it ahead of time and haven’t baked it yet, it also freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, it’s best to use the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste – cover your portion with foil and bake at 375°F until hot (about 20 minutes). In a rush? The microwave works too; just make sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Recipe Card of Homemade Lasagna
Ingredients list
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 0.5 pound lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup minced onion
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley divided
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.125 teaspoon white sugar
- 16 ounce package lasagna noodles
- 1 pound small-curd cottage cheese
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, mix the pork and beef until they turn a delightful brown and crumble, taking about 5 to 7 minutes. Toss in the onion, letting it turn translucent, around another 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and sugar into the mix. Let it simmer over medium-low heat, stirring now and then, for 30 minutes.
- As the sauce quietly bubbles, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles till they're soft yet firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, then set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a bowl, mix together cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, remaining parsley, salt, and pepper until they're well combined.
- To set up your lasagna: Start with a ladle of sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread two layers of noodles to cover. Add half of the cheese mixture, half of the remaining sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining noodles, cheese, and sauce. Finish with mozzarella on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, letting it bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese turns golden brown, another 5 to 10 minutes.
- Take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and savoring.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the layers and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes! Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when needed.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?
Drain the excess fat from the meat and use thick marinara sauce. Let your lasagna rest before slicing to avoid excessive moisture.
What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
The oven is ideal for even reheating. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until hot.
Can I skip the ricotta for another cheese?
Sure! You can use cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce for creaminess.