Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna

By: Maria
Posted: 03/30/2025

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.

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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

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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.

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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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assemble the Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna ahead of time and if so, how far in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. After assembling, cover the unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier baking later. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

What are some good ingredient substitutions for the Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna?

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative, using a 1:1 ratio. For the cheese layer, cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta, also in a 1:1 ratio, for a lighter texture. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly as a direct substitute for regular noodles. For a low-carb option, substitute zucchini or eggplant slices for the lasagna noodles, but be aware that this will affect the cooking time and moisture content of the dish.

How do I know when the Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna is perfectly cooked?

The lasagna is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. You should see the sauce bubbling around the edges. Insert a knife or skewer into the center; it should go in easily. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this allows the layers to set and prevents it from being too watery when sliced.

Can I double the Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. You’ll likely need to use two 9×13 inch baking dishes or a larger, deeper pan. Increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, and keep an eye on the browning of the top. You may also need to adjust the amount of sauce and cheese to ensure proper layering. Consider using a larger skillet for the meat sauce to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.

What is the nutritional value of the Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna?

This lasagna provides protein from the meat and cheese, calcium from the cheese and dairy, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables in the sauce. The inclusion of fresh herbs like parsley adds vitamins and antioxidants. The exact nutritional profile will vary depending on the ingredients used, but the dish is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling and satisfying meal. Consider adding extra vegetables for increased fiber and nutrients.