The Best Classic Lasagna Recipe: Easy, Cheesy & Delicious Homemade Comfort Food

There are few dishes that evoke the same sense of warmth, comfort, and home as a perfectly baked Classic Lasagna. This iconic Italian dish, with its rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta, is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a recipe that every home cook should have in their repertoire, capable of transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion or delighting guests at any gathering. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate homemade lasagna recipe, look no further – you’ve found it!

This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s *the* lasagna that will become your family’s favorite. What makes it so special? It’s all about the harmonious blend of robust flavors, from the perfectly seasoned meat sauce to the luscious cheese filling. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, making it an incredibly satisfying meal. Plus, while it might seem intimidating, making lasagna from scratch is a rewarding experience, and with our clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll find it surprisingly easy. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table!

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Yields: 6-8 servings | Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 55-65 minutes | Total time: ~1.5 hours

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (lean ground beef is recommended for less grease)
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (enhances richness)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes (choose good quality for best flavor)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (helps balance the acidity of tomatoes)
• 1/2 lb dry lasagna noodles (about 9-12 noodles, depending on brand; oven-ready noodles can be used to skip boiling)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 2 cups whole milk Ricotta cheese (for a creamier texture)
• 4 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated, divided (freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• 2 large eggs (binds the ricotta mixture)
• 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning Blend (for an aromatic depth of flavor)

How to Make The Best Classic Lasagna

Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping homemade lasagna that will earn you rave reviews!

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat (beef or turkey), chopped onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and the onion is softened (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease thoroughly – this is crucial for a non-greasy lasagna.

2. Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, thyme, the initial 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly for about one minute. This step “blooms” the herbs and spices, releasing their full fragrant potential.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer for a richer flavor). This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

4. Prepare the Cheese Filling:

   While the sauce is simmering, prepare your cheese mixture. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated Mozzarella cheese, the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Italian Seasoning Blend. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This creamy mixture is the heart of your lasagna!

5. Cook the Lasagna Noodles (if not using oven-ready):

   If you’re using traditional dry lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain them and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on parchment paper or wax paper to keep them separate.

6. Preheat and Prepare for Assembly:

   Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch casserole or lasagna dish. Having all your components ready will make assembly smooth and quick.

7. Assemble the Lasagna Layers:

   Building your lasagna in layers is key to its success:

   1. First Sauce Layer: Ladle about 1 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish and spread it evenly. This prevents the noodles from sticking and ensures moisture.
   2. First Noodle Layer: Arrange one layer of lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce. Depending on your dish size, you may need to break some noodles to fit or overlap slightly.
   3. Second Sauce Layer: Ladle about a third of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the noodles.
   4. First Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle a layer of about a third of the grated mozzarella on top of the sauce.
   5. First Ricotta Layer: Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the mozzarella, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon if needed, every couple of inches.
   6. Second Noodle Layer: Apply a second layer of noodles.
   7. Third Sauce Layer: Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
   8. Second Mozzarella & Ricotta Layer: Add half of the remaining Mozzarella, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and another thin sprinkling of Parmesan.
   9. Final Noodle Layer: Finish with a third and final layer of noodles.
   10. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spread the remaining sauce over the top layer of noodles and generously sprinkle with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and a final dusting of Parmesan.

8. Bake the Lasagna:

   Cover the lasagna dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the noodles and ensure everything cooks through evenly without drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly around the edges.

9. Achieve Golden Perfection:

   Remove the foil for the final 15 minutes of cooking time. This allows the top layer of cheese to melt into a beautiful golden-brown, bubbly crust. If desired, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, but watch it very closely to prevent burning.

10. Rest and Serve:

    Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial resting period allows the layers to set, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when cut. Plus, it will be incredibly hot, so letting it cool slightly makes it more enjoyable to eat.

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Lasagna

• Don’t Skimp on Quality Ingredients: Good quality crushed tomatoes, fresh cheeses, and well-seasoned meat make a huge difference.
• Drain the Meat Thoroughly: Excess grease can make your lasagna oily and less enjoyable.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: If boiling, cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. If using no-boil noodles, ensure enough sauce for rehydration.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors deepen and meld.
• Rest is Best: Patience after baking is key! Allowing the lasagna to rest prevents it from collapsing when you cut into it.
• Seasoning is Key: Taste your sauce and cheese mixture before assembling and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget the brown sugar to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This classic lasagna recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully versatile:

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the tomato sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your meat sauce for a subtle heat.
• Add More Veggies: Finely diced carrots or celery can be added with the onion for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses! Provolone or fontina can be added for a different flavor profile.

Serve your classic lasagna with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness, and a side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, would complete the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Lasagna is fantastic for meal prep! Leftovers store beautifully:

• Refrigerate: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze individual portions or the entire baked lasagna. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave until hot, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes for individual slices, longer for a whole lasagna).

Ready to make this incredible dish your own? Print the recipe to keep it handy in your kitchen!

Making homemade lasagna is a labor of love, but the smiles and satisfied sighs around your dinner table will make every moment worthwhile. This classic lasagna recipe truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and tradition. Enjoy creating this culinary masterpiece!