Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Gather ’round, food adventurers, because I’m about to take your taste buds on a journey with my go-to ultimate comfort dish: a mouthwatering, cheesy lasagna that transforms a casual weeknight into a culinary celebration. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into layers of savory magic!

I love crafting a classic dish that’s both simple and satisfying. My easy homemade lasagna features layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce.

I like to blend creamy ricotta with an egg and sprinkle in plenty of mozzarella for that gooey texture I adore.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Lasagna Noodles: High in carbohydrates, they provide energy, creating the dish’s hearty foundation.
• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, adds savory richness and depth to the layers.
• Onion: High in vitamins and antioxidants, offers a mild sweetness and aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Contains allicin, promoting heart health and a distinctive, robust flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based, rich in vitamin C, adds tangy sweetness and moisture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and high in calcium, provides a rich, smooth texture to layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged and nutty, adds saltiness and umami depth, with calcium and protein.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats with antioxidants, enhances overall flavor and richness.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

7. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.

8. Repeat the layers: three noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and another 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.

9. For the final layer, place the last three noodles, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Large skillet
4. Medium bowl
5. 9×13 inch baking dish
6. Aluminum foil
7. Colander (for draining noodles)
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Knife (for chopping onion)
10. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
11. Measuring spoons
12. Mixing spoon

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground beef if you prefer.
• Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian? Absolutely, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
• Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Can I freeze the lasagna? You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
• Do I need to boil the noodles first? This recipe assumes using boiled or oven-ready lasagna noodles. If using uncooked noodles, adjust cooking time as needed.
• How do I store leftover lasagna? Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I use fresh pasta? Yes, fresh pasta can be used and doesn’t require pre-cooking, but may alter the cooking time slightly.

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
• Ricotta cheese: Swap with cottage cheese for a similar texture.
• Marinara sauce: Use crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning for a homemade touch.
• Mozzarella cheese: Try provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for variety.
• Olive oil: Use canola oil or vegetable oil if olive oil is unavailable.

Pro Tips

1. Boost the Flavor of the Meat Sauce To enhance the depth of flavor in the meat sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine and a pinch of nutmeg while simmering the sauce with the beef mixture. This will add richness and complexity to the sauce.

2. Prevent Sticky Noodles To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together after cooking, drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and gently toss to coat evenly. This will make handling them easier and prevent tearing while layering.

3. Upgrade the Cheese Layer For an extra creamy and flavorful cheese layer, add some shredded mozzarella directly into the ricotta and Parmesan mixture. This will ensure a gooey and cheesy texture throughout each layer.

4. Even Heat Distribution When covering the dish with foil for baking, tent the foil slightly to prevent the cheese from sticking. This also helps in evenly distributing heat, ensuring the lasagna cooks thoroughly.

5. Resting is Key Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers to set, making the lasagna easier to cut and serve without falling apart.