The Best Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, crafted with layers of rich, savory flavors and a perfect balance of textures. This classic Italian-inspired dish is made from scratch, featuring tender lasagna noodles, a creamy and flavorful cheese filling, robust meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a harmonious blend of hearty ingredients and fresh herbs, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
The foundation of this lasagna lies in its hearty meat sauce. Made with ground beef and Italian sausage, the sauce is simmered with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a medley of aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley. This slow-cooking process ensures the sauce develops a deep, rich flavor that ties the entire dish together. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the meat can be substituted with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for an equally satisfying result.
The cheese layer is a creamy and decadent mixture of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a touch of egg to bind it all together. This filling adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts perfectly with the robust meat sauce. For a lighter alternative, cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta, providing a similar creamy consistency with fewer calories.
The lasagna noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, ensuring they hold their shape and texture when layered. Each layer of noodles is carefully assembled with alternating layers of meat sauce, cheese filling, and additional shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness. The top layer is crowned with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
Baking the lasagna allows all the flavors to meld together, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Once out of the oven, it’s essential to let the dish rest for a few minutes to ensure clean, even slices. This also allows the layers to settle, creating a picture-perfect presentation.
The Best Homemade Lasagna is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or incorporate fresh vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or kale for added nutrition. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy dinner at home. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this lasagna recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty layers make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of The Best Homemade Lasagna, a timeless dish that brings people together around the table.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• ¾ pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Season with sugar, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and pepper. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Rest lasagna for 15 minutes before serving.