Classic Lasagna Recipe

The perfect lasagna recipe made with parmesan ricotta cheese filling, melted mozzarella cheese, lasagna noodles, and a robust tomato meat sauce. It is the best lasagna recipe!

The Best Classic Lasagna Recipe

This is one recipe my husband begs me to make. He is obsessed with this lasagna and if he is stressed or overwhelmed with work, this is what I make him. It is the perfect comfort food meal!

There’s something so amazing about homemade, made-from-scratch lasagna. Whenever he orders beef lasagna at a restaurant, he ends up disappointed. This is such a warm, comforting dinner and can feed a crowd (or at least a lot of hungry kids).

This is a classic homemade lasagna recipe made with layers of gooey melted mozzarella cheese, parmesan ricotta cheese, and a robust tomato meat sauce. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or to take to friends who just had a baby. This lasagna recipe can be frozen so it is perfect to made ahead of time. It also makes flavorful leftovers.

What I love about this homemade lasagna recipe is that it is perfect for taking to people who need a meal. It is super easy to freeze and warm up when ready to serve too.

Lasagna Ingredients:

Olive Oil
Onion (finely diced)
Ground Beef
Garlic Powder (or 5 garlic cloves, finely minced)
Salt and Pepper
Marinara Sauce — if using jarred marinara sauce, I suggest using Rao’s or Carbone’s. I love to buy Rao’s at Costco since it is much cheaper! Here is a recipe for homemade marinara sauce.

Parmesan Ricotta Cheese Filling:

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Egg
Dried Basil, Salt, and Pepper
Lasagna Noodles or Lasagna Sheets
Mozzarella Cheese

How to make the Best Homemade Lasagna:

Start by making a homemade meat sauce. This is done by sautéing an onion in olive oil until it begins to soften. This brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Then it is time to brown the ground beef until it is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer on low. If you want your lasagna to be extra saucy, I suggest adding 1/2 jar more marinara sauce.
Make a parmesan ricotta cheese mixture. This is what gives the lasagna the creamy filling. I love to flavor the ricotta cheese with a good amount of parmesan cheese, spices, and egg to bind it together.
Use your favorite lasagna noodles. There are two choices for lasagna noodles — oven-ready pre-cooked noodles or lasagna noodles that need to be cooked before hitting the oven. I have tried both ways and can attest that they both work!
Bring on the cheese! The best lasagna is full of cheese so be generous with the layers of mozzarella cheese.
Bake covered for 15 minutes and then remove the foil and continue to cook until the cheese is bubbly. Let it set up for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips for a Perfect Lasagna:

Choose Whole Milk Ricotta: Whole milk ricotta tends to be creamier and less watery.

Season Each Layer: A pinch of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs in the ricotta mixture and adding salt to the water when boiling lasagna noodles infuses flavor into the pasta.

Avoid Watery Lasagna: Drain cooked noodles well.

Tent Foil: When covering with foil, lightly tent it so melted cheese doesn’t stick or spray the underside with non-stick cooking spray to keep it from sticking.

Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to stand after baking keeps slices neat and holds the layers together.

The Best Classic Lasagna Recipe The perfect lasagna recipe made with parmesan ricotta cheese filling, melted mozzarella cheese, lasagna noodles, and a robust tomato meat sauce. It is the best lasagna recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

1. Do I need to cook the noodles first?
Many recipes call for boiled noodles. If you prefer oven-ready (no-boil) noodles, check the package instructions—some might require extra sauce or slightly longer baking time. I love to use fresh lasagna sheets found at specialty grocery stores. I find fresh lasagna sheets in the refrigerator section of Whole Foods.

2. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the layers, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months—just add a few more minutes of cook time if baking from frozen.

3. How long can leftover lasagna last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350-degree F oven until heated through.

4. Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes! This lasagna recipe freezes very well. Re-heat in a warm oven.

4. What are the best cheeses to use in lasagna?
This recipe uses a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mozzarella offers meltiness, while Parmesan provides a salty, sharp flavor. The ricotta cheese adds creaminess.

More Popular Lasagna Recipes:

The Best Lasagna Recipe

Skillet Lasagna

Lasagna Soup

Ravioli Lasagna

Italian Bolognese Lasagna
Ravioli Lasagna

What should I serve with Lasagna?

Italian Chopped Salad

Easy Garlic Cheese Bread

Shredded Sautéed Zucchini with Parmesan

Cheesy Garlic Monkey Bread

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