Irresistible Homemade Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

Homemade lasagna is like a warm hug in food form, with layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and rich tomato sauce that wafts through the kitchen like a delicious symphony. Picture this: you pull it out of the oven, and as you slice into those golden, bubbling layers, the aroma fills the room—it’s pure magic. hearty butternut squash casserole delicious oven baked butternut squash Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, nothing beats diving into a plate of homemade lasagna. warm butternut squash soup cozy pumpkin bars.

this …

But let me tell you, there’s something truly special about making your own lasagna. It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the memories you create while preparing it. I remember one holiday season when my entire family gathered around to assemble our masterpiece. We laughed, debated over which layer should come next, and even had a spaghetti noodle fight (which I totally won). The lasagna turned out to be a bit messy but oh-so-delicious—a perfect representation of our chaotic yet loving family.

I once surprised my friends with this dish at a potluck, and their gasps of delight were priceless—one even proclaimed it “life-changing.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Choose wide noodles for better layering; no-boil options save time if you’re in a rush.
• Ground Beef: I prefer lean beef for less grease; feel free to substitute turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess that melts beautifully alongside mozzarella.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella when possible—it adds an unbeatable stretch and flavor!
• Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works wonders here; add fresh herbs to elevate the flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that salty kick; don’t skimp—this is where the magic happens!
• Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves for aromatic freshness; they enhance every bite with herby goodness.
• Egg: A beaten egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together, giving it structure when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. Gather all your ingredients so they’re ready for action.

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and stir in half of your marinara sauce until heated through.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well blended. This creamy mixture will be key in creating rich layers.

Layer It Up!: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of your ricotta mixture and half of the meat mixture. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up—ending with mozzarella on top.

Bake to Perfection: Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let It Rest!: Once out of the oven, allow your lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it. This step is crucial—trust me; no one wants a soupy slice!

Now you’re armed with everything you need to create your very own homemade lasagna masterpiece! Enjoy every bite—you deserve it! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your sauce while boiling lasagna noodles, then layer ingredients while it’s cooling. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is hot and fresh when it goes in the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Customize your homemade lasagna with whatever ingredients you love for a unique twist every time.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, keeping that cheesy goodness intact.

Nothing beats the joy of reuniting with my childhood friends over a pan of homemade lasagna. Their smiles after taking that first bite remind me why I love cooking so much.

FAQ

What type of noodles should I use for homemade lasagna?

Opt for no-boil noodles or traditional lasagna sheets; both work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I freeze homemade lasagna?

Yes, freeze it unbaked or baked, but ensure it’s properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.

How long should I bake homemade lasagna?

Bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Homemade Lasagna

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade lasagna is a comforting, layered delight filled with rich flavors that come together to create a memorable meal. This delightful dish features layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in luscious marinara sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and every bite will remind you of home-cooked love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil preferred)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in half of the marinara sauce.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with three lasagna noodles followed by half the ricotta mixture and half the meat mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (180g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg