If you’re craving a cozy, hearty, and satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table, this easy homemade lasagna is just the thing. This recipe is layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, tender lasagna noodles, and topped with bubbling, golden cheese. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or any day you just want to indulge in something deliciously classic.

What makes this lasagna recipe so lovable is its simplicity and balance. You don’t need to be a professional chef to put together a lasagna that tastes like it came straight from a rustic Italian kitchen. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of flavor: savory beef and sausage paired with aromatic herbs, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with fresh parsley, and of course, that irresistible layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Let’s talk about the sauce first because it’s the soul of any lasagna. We start with a combination of lean ground beef and Italian sausage for a meat sauce that’s both rich and flavorful. Add in diced onions, minced garlic, tomato paste, and store-bought pasta sauce (yes, store-bought works beautifully here), then season it all with Italian herbs. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly. This sauce doesn’t just flavor the dish it binds every layer together.

Next comes the cheese mixture, which includes ricotta cheese, a touch of parmesan, a beaten egg, and chopped parsley. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and holds its structure well during baking. If you’re not a ricotta fan, cottage cheese works just as well without losing that comforting creaminess.

Assembling the lasagna is quite straightforward. Start with a layer of sauce at the bottom, followed by noodles, then a layer of cheese mixture, more sauce, and repeat. You’ll create three full layers of deliciousness, finishing with a generous topping of meat sauce and plenty of mozzarella and parmesan. After baking, the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe:

It’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

It freezes beautifully either baked or unbaked!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lasagna Every Time:

• Rest Before Slicing: After baking, let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to cut clean slices that hold together.
• Time-Saver Option: Fresh lasagna sheets (found in most deli sections) can skip the boiling step entirely.
• Cheese Layer Tip: Prefer thicker cheese layers? Divide the cheese mixture in half and use it only on the bottom two layers. This gives you bold cheese flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Make it Yours: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta, or replace the Italian sausage with all ground beef or even ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter version.
• Storage & Reheating: This lasagna stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. It’s also freezer-friendly just wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Whether you’re a first time cook or a seasoned home chef, this lasagna will become a go to recipe in your kitchen. It’s comfort food done right, using simple pantry staples to create a dinner that’s always a hit.

Easy Lasagna

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

A classic and easy to make homemade lasagna featuring rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and lots of melted mozzarella perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)

• 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded and divided)

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded and divided)

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or substitute cottage cheese)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1 large egg (beaten)

• ¾ tsp salt (divided)

• ½ lb lean ground beef

• ½ lb Italian sausage

• 1 yellow onion (diced)

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 36 oz pasta sauce (*or increase to 48 oz if you like it saucy)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions

• Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Boil Pasta: Cook lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
• Make Meat Sauce: Brown beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Drain fat. Stir in pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
  
• Mix Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan, parsley, egg, and ¼ tsp salt.
• Assemble: Spread 1 cup meat sauce in a 9×13″ pan. Add 3 noodles, then ⅓ of cheese mix and 1 cup sauce. Repeat for two more layers. Finish with noodles and remaining sauce.
• Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes
• Add Cheese & Finish Baking: Remove foil, top with 2½ cups mozzarella and ¼ cup parmesan. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for golden cheese.
• Rest & Serve: Let lasagna rest 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

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