Name: Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Layered, Meaty & Cheesy!)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles; Ground Beef; Marinara Sauce; Ricotta Cheese; Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; Grated Parmesan Cheese; Egg; Italian Seasoning; Olive Oil

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Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe (Layered, Meaty & Cheesy!) is the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family together! This classic Italian dish features layers of rich marinara sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, even for weeknight dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients for Best Homemade Lasagna
How to Make Best Homemade Lasagna
Tips for Making Best Homemade Lasagna
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Freezing Best Homemade Lasagna
Reheating Best Homemade Lasagna
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
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Easy Vegetable Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layered Perfection. Each layer of rich sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures
Big-Batch Friendly. Perfect for meal prep or serving large gatherings, this lasagna can easily feed a crowd, with leftovers for days.
Ultimate Comfort Food. Nothing beats the cheesy, meaty goodness of a classic lasagna, making it a heartwarming dish everyone enjoys!

Ingredients for Best Homemade Lasagna

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna Noodles: Traditional wide noodles that provide structure to your layering.
Ground Beef: The main protein source, seasoned for rich flavor.
Marinara Sauce: A robust sauce that forms the base – homemade or store-bought works perfectly.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor to each layer.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey cheese topping that melts beautifully.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy topping.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the flavors of the meat and sauce.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and adding richness.

How to Make Best Homemade Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef. Sauté until browned and crumbly; drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and then another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Tips for Making Best Homemade Lasagna

Prep the Ingredients Ahead: Chop your veggies, cook the meat, and prepare the cheese mixture to save time on busy days.
Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing; it helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing.
Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables, spinach, or different cheeses for personal twists.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the lasagna up to the baking point, cover, and store in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking.
For longer storage, freeze assembled lasagna wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.

Freezing Best Homemade Lasagna

Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in an airtight container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Best Homemade Lasagna

Cover any leftover lasagna with foil to prevent it from drying out while reheating.
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work great! Just follow the package instructions for layering.

How do I make my lasagna not watery?

Make sure to let the sauce simmer to thicken and use less liquid in your cheese mixtures.

Can I make this a vegetarian lasagna?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or lentils for a hearty meatless dish.

How long do I bake lasagna?

Bake for 25 minutes covered and then an additional 15 minutes uncovered, until bubbly and golden.

What is the best way to freeze lasagna?

Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.