How to Make the Perfect Lasagna Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? Discover the secret to a perfect homemade lasagna with our easy recipe. Learn how to make it tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A classic, hearty dish perfect for quick family dinners and weeknight dinner ideas
• Packed with rich flavors from ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella
• A simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to become a family favorite
• Perfect for making ahead and reheating when you need a stress-free meal
• Customizable to suit your taste preferences

Ingredients

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

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 pound ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 48 ounces marinara sauce (about 6 cups of sauce)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions for the minimum cook time. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Lay them out on parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling, until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
4. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook at a low simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sauce simmers, crack the egg into a medium bowl and beat lightly with a fork. Add the ricotta cheese and stir to combine. This is also a good time to shred the mozzarella cheese.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread about 1 cup of the sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles in an even layer over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the remaining sauce over the noodles. Place small spoonfuls of the ricotta and egg mixture on top of the sauce, using ½ of the ricotta. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella and ⅓ of the Parmesan over the top.
7. Repeat the layer one more time: 3 noodles, ½ of the remaining sauce, the rest of the ricotta, ½ of the remaining mozzarella, and ½ of the remaining Parmesan. For the top layer, use the remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover the lasagna with a piece of foil sprayed with cooking spray on the underside (to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil).
9. Bake, covered with foil, for 35 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbling on the sides and the cheese is lightly browned on top. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly:

• Pre-cook your lasagna noodles to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture during baking.
• Let the lasagna rest before serving to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier.
• Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh parsley and real Parmesan cheese, for the best flavor.
• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the meat sauce.

How to Serve

Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it’s always a good idea to serve it with some classic sides. Try pairing it with a fresh green salad, like our Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad or a hearty Olive Garden Salad. If you’re in the mood for something different, our Gordon Ramsay Beef Stroganoff makes a great alternative main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

This lasagna recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350° F until warmed through.

Enjoy your homemade lasagna and make it a part of your easy pasta recipes collection for 30-minute meals and quick family dinners!