The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Name: The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; Salt and nutmeg to taste; 12 lasagna noodles; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Create a warm and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion with this Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese come together to make a crowd-pleasing meal. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this lasagna is easy to assemble and absolutely delicious.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2025-10-23T10:43:23.848Z

This lasagna recipe has been passed down for generations and remains a family favorite!

The Perfect Comfort Food

Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food, offering layers of deliciousness that warm the soul. The combination of seasoned meats, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel creates a perfect harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. This dish is great for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied and happy.

One of the beautiful aspects of homemade lasagna is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you want to incorporate more vegetables, use ricotta instead of béchamel, or even go vegetarian, the options are endless. This flexibility makes it a beloved recipe in many households.

An Easy Make-Ahead Meal

Preparing lasagna in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy evenings. You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to dine, just pop it in the oven. This convenience is especially useful for dinner parties or when you simply want to enjoy a comforting meal without the last-minute cooking hassle.

Additionally, lasagna also freezes well. If you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare a larger batch for future meals, simply wrap individual portions tightly in foil or store them in airtight containers. Thaw and bake them whenever a craving hits!

The Joy of Sharing

There's something truly special about sharing homemade lasagna with loved ones. The act of cooking and serving this beloved dish can turn any meal into an occasion. Gather around the table to enjoy each layer of flavors while creating lasting memories. Serving lasagna often sparks conversation and laughter, making it a staple for family gatherings and celebrations.

Moreover, lasagna is an excellent choice for potlucks or community events. Its hearty nature means it can feed a crowd, and with each serving, you’ll likely inspire others to ask for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce

4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
Salt and nutmeg to taste

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting.

Directions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened.

Season with salt and nutmeg.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by noodles, béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and cheese on top.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade lasagna!

Tips for Perfect Lasagna

For the best results, cook the noodles al dente. This prevents them from becoming too soft during baking, which can lead to a mushy texture. Don't shy away from adding layers of vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, to elevate the nutritional value and flavor profile of your lasagna.

Ensure your meat sauce has a good balance of seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A splash of red wine can deepen the flavor of the sauce, giving it a rich and robust character.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your lasagna with a fresh garden salad and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread pairs wonderfully, allowing everyone to savor every last bit of sauce. To enhance the Italian experience, consider serving a nice Chianti or another red wine that complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.

For dessert, keep it simple with classic options like tiramisu or panna cotta. End the meal on a sweet note, ensuring your guests leave not only satisfied but also delighted!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought noodles?

Yes, feel free to use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the meat with your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein.