Name: Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe: Delicious & Simple Beef Bake
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1.5 pounds lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 1/2 cup non-alcoholic red wine alternative or beef broth; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for sauce and garnish); 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of nutmeg; 12-15 lasagna noodles (traditional or oven-ready); 1 pound (about 4 cups) whole milk mozzarella, freshly shredded; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Easy Homemade Lasagna has long been the quintessential dish for comfort, celebration, and gathering loved ones around the dinner table. There’s something undeniably magical about layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel or ricotta, and melted, bubbling cheese. It’s a culinary masterpiece that, despite its impressive appearance, is surprisingly approachable when you have the right guidance, promising a truly memorable meal without the usual culinary stress.

Originating from the sun-drenched regions of Italy, lasagna is a testament to the art of slow cooking and the joy of combining simple, fresh ingredients into something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish steeped in tradition, often passed down through generations, each family adding their unique touch to this beloved classic. While its roots are ancient, its appeal remains timeless, continually evolving to suit modern palates and busy lifestyles. I find that its enduring popularity stems from its incredible versatility and the sheer satisfaction it brings to both the cook and the diner.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Effortless Enjoyment

People adore lasagna not just for its complex, harmonious flavors and varying textures—from the tender pasta to the robust sauce and gooey cheese—but also for the heartwarming experience it creates. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal, perfect for entertaining or enjoying as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day. Preparing an Easy Homemade Lasagna transforms your kitchen into a hub of delicious aromas and your dining room into a place of joyful feasting. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor moments and create lasting memories, proving that truly magnificent dishes don’t have to be daunting.

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (I prefer 85/15 or 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and less grease)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 1-2 stalks)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (my go-to for a smooth base)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, optional but highly recommended for depth)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and adding to sauce)
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese (I find whole milk gives the best creamy texture)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (this acts as a binder)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it really brightens the cheese flavor)
For Layering:
- 12-15 lasagna noodles (I use the traditional kind that needs boiling, but oven-ready can work too – just adjust liquid in sauce if using oven-ready)
- 1 pound (about 4 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese (I often buy a block and shred it myself for better melt)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Making the Rich Meat Sauce for Your Easy Homemade Lasagna

Creating a flavorful meat sauce is the cornerstone of any truly great lasagna, and for your Easy Homemade Lasagna, we’re going to build layers of flavor that will truly sing. This isn’t just about browning meat; it’s about developing a deep, rich base that will infuse every bite.

First things first, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. This is crucial because it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching as the sauce simmers. Place it over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to add your ground beef. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
You want to brown the beef thoroughly, not just cook it through. Browning creates the wonderful Maillard reaction, which develops deep, savory flavors. Stir occasionally, allowing the meat to get a nice caramelized crust in spots. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain off any excess fat. I usually tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, leaving just enough to help sauté the vegetables.
Reduce the heat to medium. Now, add your finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. This trio, often called a “mirepoix” in French cooking, forms the aromatic foundation of our sauce. Sauté these vegetables gently, stirring frequently, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; properly softened vegetables release more of their sweet flavors into the sauce.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Now, let’s build on that flavor! Stir in the tomato paste. Cook it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is important because it deepens the flavor of the tomato paste, making it less raw and more concentrated. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final sauce.
If you’re using red wine, this is the moment! Pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with your spoon. This is called deglazing, and those bits are packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer vigorously for 3-5 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate and its rich flavor to concentrate.
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all the lovely seasonings: Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape), and let it cook for at least 1 to 2 hours. Trust me, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. I often let mine go for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During this time, the sauce will thicken beautifully and become incredibly rich. If it gets too thick, you can add a little water or vegetable broth.
Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate!

Preparing the Creamy Ricotta Mixture

The ricotta layer is what gives your Easy Homemade Lasagna that signature creamy, comforting texture. It provides a wonderful contrast to the robust meat sauce and molten mozzarella. This mixture is incredibly simple to put together, but the quality of your ingredients really shines through here.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire container of whole milk ricotta cheese. I always opt for whole milk ricotta because it’s richer and less watery than part-skim, resulting in a creamier, more stable layer in your lasagna.
Add the lightly beaten egg. The egg is crucial here; it acts as a binder, helping the ricotta mixture set and preventing it from oozing out during baking and slicing.
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The sharp, salty notes of Parmesan complement the mild ricotta perfectly.
Add the fresh chopped parsley. Fresh herbs make such a difference, adding a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the cheese.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. This is another opportunity to build flavor, so don’t skip it!
Finally, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg. This might sound unusual for a savory dish, but nutmeg is a traditional addition to cheese sauces in Italian cooking, and it magically enhances the flavor of the dairy without making the dish taste “nutmeg-y.” It just brightens everything up.
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and evenly textured. Give it a quick taste to ensure the seasoning is to your liking.

Preparing Your Lasagna Noodles

Whether you choose traditional, oven-ready, or fresh noodles, properly preparing them is essential for the success of your Easy Homemade Lasagna. I prefer traditional noodles for the best texture, but I’ll give you tips for both.

If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles that require boiling: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt helps season the noodles from within.
Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water, making sure they are submerged. Cook them according to package directions, but aim for slightly al dente – a bit firm to the bite. Remember, they’ll continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want them mushy now. Overcooked noodles will fall apart and make assembly difficult.
As soon as the noodles are cooked al dente, drain them immediately in a colander. This next step is very important to prevent them from sticking together: rinse them briefly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.
Lay the cooked noodles flat on a clean baking sheet or parchment paper, slightly overlapping if necessary, to prevent them from sticking to each other. You can lightly drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil if you’re worried about sticking, but generally, the cold rinse is sufficient if you lay them out quickly.
If using oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles: You can skip steps 1-4. These noodles are designed to absorb moisture from the sauce as they bake. Just ensure your sauce is a little looser than usual, as the noodles will soak up a lot of liquid. I still recommend giving them a quick dip in warm water just before layering to make them more pliable and prevent cracking, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Assembling Your Easy Homemade Lasagna

This is where all our hard work comes together! Assembling the lasagna is a fun, albeit sometimes messy, process. The key to a beautiful and delicious Easy Homemade Lasagna is even layering. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to get a little saucy!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your lasagna goes in.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. I usually spread about 1 to 1.5 cups of sauce. This prevents the noodles from sticking and creates a flavorful base. It’s tempting to put too much, but remember it’s just a base.
Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them if necessary to cover the bottom of the dish. If your noodles are too long, you can trim them to fit, or strategically break one to fill gaps. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly neat; it will all bake together.
Now, spread half of your creamy ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. I find an offset spatula works wonders for this, or the back of a spoon. Spread it almost to the edges, leaving a small border.
Sprinkle about a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
Top with a generous layer of meat sauce – about 2 to 2.5 cups this time. Spread it out evenly.
Repeat the layers:
- Another layer of 3-4 lasagna noodles.
- The remaining half of the ricotta mixture, spread evenly.
- Another third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Another generous layer of meat sauce (about 2 to 2.5 cups).
For the final layer: Place the last 3-4 lasagna noodles on top.
Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top noodles, ensuring they are completely covered. This prevents them from drying out and becoming crunchy during baking.
Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, making sure to cover all the sauce.
Finally, sprinkle a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Baking and Resting Your Easy Homemade Lasagna

Baking is where the magic truly happens, transforming all those delicious layers into a cohesive, bubbling masterpiece. And the resting period? Don’t skip it! It’s crucial for achieving perfectly structured slices of your Easy Homemade Lasagna.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. I like to lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking, though it’s not strictly necessary. This initial covered bake allows the lasagna to cook through evenly and the noodles to soften completely without the top burning.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour with the foil on. You’ll know it’s getting there when you can see the sauce bubbling gently around the edges.
Remove the foil. Now it’s time to get that beautiful golden, bubbly, slightly caramelized top! Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) if your oven allows, or just leave it at 375°F.
Continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. If your oven has a broiler, you can even use it for the last 2-3 minutes to get an extra-crispy top, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning!
Once your lasagna is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. This next step is perhaps the hardest part, but it’s arguably the most important for presentation: let it rest! Cover the lasagna loosely with foil and let it sit on your countertop for at least 15-20 minutes (I prefer 30 minutes) before cutting and serving.
Why rest? During baking, the sauces and cheeses are very hot and fluid. Resting allows everything to settle, the layers to firm up, and the flavors to truly meld together. If you cut into it too soon, it will likely collapse into a messy, though still delicious, pile. A proper rest ensures clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape.
After resting, slice your Easy Homemade Lasagna into individual portions using a sharp knife. I usually cut it into 12 squares.
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a fresh basil leaf for a touch of color and aroma. Serve immediately and watch everyone enjoy your incredible homemade creation!

Conclusion:

And so, we arrive at the culmination of our culinary journey! I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about the prospect of bringing this incredible dish to life in your own kitchen. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the sheer delight and heartwarming comfort that only a truly exceptional lasagna can provide. What makes this recipe an absolute must-try, in my humble opinion, is its perfect balance. It delivers all the rich, savory, cheesy goodness you crave from a classic, layered pasta masterpiece, but without the usual intimidation factor. Forget about spending an entire day slaving over a hot stove; our approach simplifies the process beautifully, making that dream of a homemade lasagna a delicious reality for anyone. You’ll be genuinely surprised at how effortlessly you can create such a spectacular meal, a dish that tastes like it came straight from a beloved Italian nonna’s kitchen.

This Easy Homemade Lasagna is a testament to the idea that some of the most impressive meals don’t have to be the most complicated. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something substantial and comforting, yet equally fitting for a special Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or whenever you need to impress guests without breaking a sweat. The deep flavors of the slow-simmered meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, the melted mozzarella, and the tender pasta all meld together in an absolutely harmonious symphony that will have everyone reaching for a second, and perhaps even a third, slice. It’s a dish that creates memories, fosters conversation, and undeniably satisfies the soul. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going straight into your rotation of go-to comfort foods.

Serving Suggestions & Delightful Variations:

Now that you’ve mastered the art of this magnificent lasagna, let’s talk about how to elevate your dining experience even further. While it’s undeniably a complete meal in itself, pairing it with a few simple accompaniments can truly make it sing. I always recommend a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. A generous basket of warm, crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory for soaking up any lingering sauce – a true carb-on-carb delight! And for those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Montepulciano, beautifully complements the robust flavors of the meat and cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cider or a simple glass of iced tea would be lovely.

But the beauty of this recipe extends beyond just serving; it’s incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment and make it truly your own! If you’re looking to switch up the protein, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor and spice. Ground turkey or even a plant-based ground substitute can also work wonderfully if you’re aiming for a lighter take. For my vegetarian friends, don’t feel left out! This recipe is easily adaptable. You could swap out the meat sauce for a rich mushroom and spinach ragu, incorporating sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant for added depth and texture. A lentil-based “meat” sauce is also a fantastic, hearty vegetarian option that holds up beautifully between the layers. Experiment with different cheese blends too; a touch of smoked provolone or Fontina alongside the mozzarella can add a delightful complexity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a thin layer of béchamel sauce along with the ricotta for an even creamier, more decadent lasagna experience.

For those with dietary considerations, don’t hesitate to explore gluten-free lasagna noodles – many brands offer excellent options that perform just as well as traditional pasta. Dairy-free alternatives for ricotta and mozzarella are also readily available now, allowing you to enjoy this classic comfort food without compromise. The key is to embrace the spirit of experimentation and tailor the dish to your preferences and dietary needs. Remember, cooking should always be a joyful and personal experience, and this recipe provides the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Your Turn: Share the Love!

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you have all the tools, tips, and encouragement, it’s time to preheat your oven and embark on your own lasagna adventure! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll find immense satisfaction in creating such a spectacular dish from scratch, and even more joy in sharing it with loved ones. There’s something truly special about gathering around a table, sharing a meal you’ve prepared with care, and witnessing the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces. This lasagna isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a memory in the making.

Once you’ve made your delicious creation, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite variations? Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, photos, and any brilliant serving suggestions you discovered in the comments below. Your feedback and creativity inspire not only me but also our entire community of home cooks. Let’s celebrate the joy of good food, shared moments, and the incredible satisfaction of making something truly delicious with our own hands. Happy cooking, everyone – I can’t wait to see what you create!