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A beautifully plated homemade lasagna layered with rich tomato sauce, melted golden cheese, and visible layers of pasta, basil leaves on top, served on a rustic white plate with a wooden table background.

The Secret to the Best Homemade Lasagna (Revealed at 42!)

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Discover the ultimate homemade lasagna recipe that elevates your Italian dinner to a new level of flavor. Layered with rich cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this lasagna is the comfort food you need to master. Ideal for family dinners and special occasions, this homemade lasagna is your secret weapon for a delicious, hearty meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sautéed vegetables or spinach for extra nutrition

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Boil water with salt in a large pot and cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, then add more meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with a top layer of noodles covered with sauce and cheese.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and bake when ready.
  • No-cook noodles can be used—just ensure enough sauce to hydrate them during baking.
  • Cottage cheese or mascarpone can substitute ricotta for different flavors.
  • Allow lasagna to rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Family-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg