Name: The Best Classic Homemade Lasagna – Just Like Grandma’s!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Meat Sauce:; 1 lb ground beef; ½ lb Italian sausage, casing removed; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Cheese Mixture: 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Other Layers: 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup additional grated Parmesan cheese

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There’s nothing quite like a homemade lasagna bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese all tucked between perfectly cooked noodles—this is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this classic lasagna recipe never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layers of flavor – Savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta in every bite.
Great for leftovers – Somehow, it tastes even better the next day!
Perfect for freezing – Make a big batch and save some for later.

Ingredients

(Full ingredient list below!)

Ground beef and Italian sausage
Onion and garlic
Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce
Italian seasoning and fresh basil
Ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan
Mozzarella cheese
Lasagna noodles

Directions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large pan, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and basil. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds the perfect creamy layer to the lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta mixture and shredded mozzarella.
Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of sauce and cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let it rest before cutting – This helps keep the layers intact.
Use a mix of beef and sausage – It adds extra flavor!
Simmer the sauce longer – The longer it cooks, the richer it gets.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the meat – Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat and add spinach and mushrooms.
Try oven-ready noodles – No boiling needed!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

A simple green salad – Lightens up the meal.
Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
A glass of red wine – Pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I have to cook the noodles first?
If using regular noodles, yes. If using oven-ready noodles, no boiling needed!
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! It adds a slightly different texture but works just as well.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Let the sauce simmer long enough to reduce excess liquid, and let the lasagna rest before cutting.

Conclusion

This classic homemade lasagna is everything you love about a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal to share with friends, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Make a big batch, because leftovers are just as good—if not better!

The Best Classic Homemade Lasagna – Just Like Grandma’s!

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This classic homemade lasagna is packed with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all nestled between tender noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. Whether you’re making it fresh or freezing for later, this lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large pan over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using).
Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop deep flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions.
Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer 3 noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ¼ of the mozzarella cheese and another 1 cup of meat sauce.
Repeat layers twice, finishing with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.