This Homemade Lasagna is a classic Italian dish served in so many restaurants. Layers of tender lasagna pasta noodles layered with a cheesy ricotta filling, rich meaty tomato sauce, and cheese then baked until golden and the cheese melts.

The lasagna joins our Parmesan Chicken and Zuppa Toscana for favorite Italian-inspired dishes.

Lasagna in a white casserole dish topped with fresh greens and a fork full of lasagna.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe-

There are so many reasons to love this classic lasagna pasta casserole, it truly is the best lasagna recipe.

  • So much cheaper than going out!
  • Tastes just like the lasagna you’d order at the restaurant.
  • May be made in advance.
  • Great to enjoy with family or to bring to a potluck!

What is Lasagna?

Lasagna is a traditional Italian pasta casserole dish that is made with layers of flat lasagne pasta and between a meaty sauce and cheese layer with so much flavor! It is similar to our baked ziti with ricotta but it requires a bit more assembly.

Lasagna may be a little more time-consuming than most pasta recipes, but it’s worth every minute.

A casserole dish of lasagna sliced into pieces and topped with melted cheese.

How to Make Homemade Lasagna?

If you’ve never made this easy lasagna recipe, our detailed step-by-step directions with images will help you get the recipe perfected on your first try.

  • Cook pasta– Cook the lasagna pasta, and al dente according to package instructions. Drain water and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  • Cook the meat- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, saute the onion and ground beef together, breaking the meat up as it’s cooked. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Add sauce- Pour in the marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meaty sauce bubbles and remove from heat.
  • Cheese mixture- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper for the cheese layer.
  • Prepare oven and pan- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9”x13” baking dish with baking spray.
  • Layer pasta- Now layer the pasta meaty sauce with the lasagna noodles and mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake- Bake the lasagna until golden and bubbly.
  • Rest- Once baked, allow the lasagna to set and rest.
  • Serve and Enjoy.
Step by step collage on how to make homemade lasagna in a white casserole dish.

How to Layer Lasagna-

The layering of the lasagna may be confusing so I’ll walk you detailed through the steps. At this point, you should be completely prepped and the oven preheating. Also, you can layer completely differently and still get amazing results.

  • Grease dish- Start by spraying your casserole dish with cooking spray or butter the dish so the pasta comes out easily.
  • Sauce- Start with a thin layer of sauce to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan.
  • Noodles- Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
  • Cheese- Over the noodles spread ¼ of the cheese mixture. It’s easier to spread if you add a spoonful throughout the dish and not just in one area.
  • Meat sauce- Next, add ¼ of that meaty marinara sauce mixture.
  • Shredded cheese- And finally add ¼ of the shredded cheese.
  • Continue- And now you’ll repeat this until you have used up all of your ingredients and have four layers.

How long do I bake lasagna?

Though all ovens are slightly different and maybe have a slightly different bake time, here’s a generation overview of how long you’ll need to bake homemade lasagna:

  • 350°F for 55-50 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes.
  • 375°F for 45-50 minutes, removing the foil for the last 12 minutes.
  • 400°F for 40-45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes.
Close up of a spatula full of a cheesy lasagna slice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make the lasagna ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagna per instruction and keep refrigerated two days in advance! Then, just bake per instruction.

How do I store the leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use different meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage or ground beef.

What herbs do I use?

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the lasagna before serving. Use cilantro, fresh basil, or fresh parsley, or just opt out of the herbs completely.

Serving Suggestions-

Though the lasagna already has the noddles, cheese layer, and meat sauce and is so filling in itself, here are some great sides to enjoy with the entree:

EASY lasagna recipe in a white casserole dish topped with greens.

Freezing options-

Lasagna is that perfect dish to make ahead and have in the freezer. You can freeze it before and after it is baked. This makes for a great recipe to take to parties and treat families that are in need of a meal.

  • Freeze before baking- Prepare the lasagna per instructions. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake per instructions.
  • Freeze after baking- Cook the lasagna according to instructions and cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly and free it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven until pasta is reheated.

MORE PASTA RECIPES-

So we have a serious love for Pasta Recipes, it’s by far our favorite kind of dinner that the entire family enjoys. Here are some of our favorite pastas to try:

Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Author: Valentina
Print
4.80 from 5 votes
The ultimate classic homemade lasagna recipe loaded with so much flavor. Tender lasagna noodles with a hearty meaty sauce and cheeses. This is the perfect Italian dinner.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

meat layer-

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 Tbsp italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

cheese layer-

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray the 9”x13” casserole dish with cooking spray, and set aside.

Make cheese and meat sauce-

  • Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil and saute the ground beef. Break apart the meat as it’s being browned. Add garlic, stir and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until it comes to a soft boil and remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Layer lasagna-

  • In the baking dish, add a thin layer of the marinara mixture.
  • Add 3 pasta noodles.
  • Top with the cheese mixture and spread evenly. Then the measy sauce and finally shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat until you have four layers (one layer is noodles, cheese mixture, marinara and shredded cheese).
  • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake at 35 minutes. Remove the foil and cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese and sauce are bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from then, cover back with the foil and allow the lasagna to rest for 5 minutes and set.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

529kcal Calories41g Carbs37g Protein24g Fat13g Saturated Fat120mg Cholesterol1266mg Sodium700mg Potassium3g Fiber6g Sugar978IU Vitamin A7mg Vitamin C439mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 529 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 13g81%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 1266mg55%
Potassium 700mg20%
Carbohydrates 41g14%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 37g74%
Vitamin A 978IU20%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 439mg44%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)