You got it — here’s a classic, rich, and comforting homemade lasagna recipe that brings together layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, pasta, and melty cheese. This is the real-deal, Sunday dinner-style lasagna that’s worth every bite.
🧀🍅 The Best Homemade Lasagna
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 1 hr | Rest Time: 15 min
🧾 Ingredients:
🔻 Meat Sauce:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tsp sugar
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
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Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes
🧀 Cheese Filling:
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15 oz ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
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Salt & pepper to taste
➕ Other:
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9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
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3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping
🔥 Instructions:
1. Make the Meat Sauce
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In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Stir in tomatoes, sauce, paste, sugar, and seasonings. Simmer 20–30 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally.
2. Cook the Noodles (if not using oven-ready)
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Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment or a greased sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling
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In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Lasagna (in a 9×13″ dish)
Layer 1: Spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom
Layer 2: Add a layer of noodles
Layer 3: Spread ⅓ of ricotta mixture
Layer 4: Sprinkle with mozzarella
Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Bake
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Cover with foil (sprayed with oil to prevent sticking).
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
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Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest Before Serving
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Let lasagna sit for 15 minutes before slicing — this helps it set and slice cleanly.
🔁 Variations:
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Add spinach or zucchini slices for a veggie twist.
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Use béchamel sauce instead of ricotta for a more traditional Northern Italian take.
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Go meatless with roasted mushrooms and lentils.