Few dishes say comfort quite like homemade lasagna. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella come together into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends.
This Lasagna Ingredients recipe gives you the classic Italian-American flavor everyone loves — simple, authentic, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna is easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests.
It combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage for deep flavor, balanced with rich cheese and a vibrant tomato sauce.
Every bite has the perfect ratio of sauce, cheese, and noodles.
It’s a make-ahead dream — tastes even better the next day.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Olive oil – adds flavor and helps the aromatics soften beautifully.
Onion and garlic – create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Ground beef and Italian sausage – combine for a rich, meaty filling.
Crushed tomatoes – form a smooth, tangy sauce that binds the layers.
Oregano, salt, and pepper – season every layer perfectly.
Ricotta cheese – brings creaminess and a mild, milky flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy stretch.
Parmesan cheese – adds salty, nutty depth to the filling.
Egg – helps bind the ricotta mixture for easy layering.
Lasagna noodles – the foundation of every perfect bite.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook noodles just until al dente — they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Drain excess fat from the meat to prevent a greasy lasagna.
Let the sauce simmer long enough for flavors to deepen.
Layer carefully — sauce first, then noodles, then cheese for best structure.
Rest the lasagna 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean servings.
Use fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Make Lasagna
Step 1 – Prepare the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2 – Cook the sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Step 3 – Add the meat
Stir in ground beef and Italian sausage.
Cook for 10–15 minutes until browned.
Drain any extra fat.
Step 4 – Add tomatoes and seasonings
Pour in crushed tomatoes and ½ teaspoon of oregano.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5 – Prepare the cheese filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and remaining oregano.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6 – Layer the lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture at the bottom of the pan.
Layer noodles, cheese mix, meat, and tomato sauce.
Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with noodles and sauce.
Step 7 – Top and bake
Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes uncovered until bubbly and golden.
Step 8 – Rest and serve
Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm.
What to Serve It With
Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
Enjoy with red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Finish the meal with tiramisu or panna cotta for a full Italian experience.
It also pairs perfectly with a side of sautéed spinach or broccoli.
Variations / Substitutions
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for fewer calories.
Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
Use gluten-free noodles if needed.
Try spicy sausage for extra heat.
Swap crushed tomatoes for marinara sauce for a quicker option.
Storage & Leftovers
Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving directly from frozen — it can become watery.
Leftovers taste even better after resting overnight.
FAQs
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Do I need to cook the noodles first?
Yes, unless you’re using oven-ready noodles, which don’t require pre-boiling.
Can I freeze lasagna before baking?
Absolutely — wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain the meat well and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, it’s a common and affordable substitute.
What’s the best pan size?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes — spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms all work great.
How long should lasagna rest before cutting?
Let it rest 10–15 minutes so the layers set nicely.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, though homemade sauce adds fresher flavor.
What cheese melts best on top?
Mozzarella gives that signature golden, stretchy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Ingredients recipe captures everything you love about classic lasagna — flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked noodles.
It’s a dish that brings people together and tastes like pure comfort in every bite.
Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the frozen version again.
