Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of tender pasta, rich meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. This homemade lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. With a combination of flavorful ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cheese Layer:
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Lasagna Layers:
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Substitutions for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor. Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly for a gluten-free version. For a low-carb lasagna, substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for pasta.
How to Make Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and Parmesan. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and another layer of sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Mix-ins for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Enhance your lasagna by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Add a spicy kick by mixing in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, mix shredded provolone or cheddar into the mozzarella layer.
Recipe Tips for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Use oven-ready noodles to skip the boiling step. Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing for cleaner layers. Double the recipe and freeze one for later. If using store-bought marinara, pick a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Storage for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. To freeze, assemble the lasagna without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual slices on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe Variations for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Make it vegetarian by swapping the meat with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Try a white chicken lasagna using shredded chicken and Alfredo sauce. Give it a Mexican twist by replacing tomato sauce with enchilada sauce and adding black beans and taco seasoning.
FAQs for Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I have to cook the lasagna noodles first?
Use oven-ready noodles to skip boiling, but if using regular noodles, they must be pre-cooked.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken and allow the lasagna to rest before cutting.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite high-quality marinara or pasta sauce for convenience.
Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna is a must-try recipe for any lasagna lover. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy every bite!
Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For the Ricotta Layer:
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked & drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add onions and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, then add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella & Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna:
- ✔ Use no-boil noodles – Saves time, but add extra sauce to keep them soft.
- ✔ Let it rest before slicing – This keeps layers intact.
- ✔ Add spinach or mushrooms – For extra flavor & nutrition.
- ✔ Make it ahead – Assemble & refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Notes
- No ricotta? Use cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
- Make it vegetarian? Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
- Freeze it? Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour.
