Hearty Homemade Lasagna Bake

If you appreciate the comforting embrace of classic, richly flavored food, then this Homemade Baked Lasagna Recipe is an absolute must-make! Our traditional lasagna masterfully combines a robust meat sauce, tender noodles, and a glorious medley of cheeses, promising a truly unforgettable meal.

The Ultimate Classic Homemade Baked Lasagna Recipe

There are few dishes that evoke the same sense of warmth and nostalgia as a perfectly baked homemade lasagna. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience, a dish that brings families together and creates lasting memories. This particular recipe, often referred to as “Grandma’s Easy Lasagna,” strips away any complexities, offering a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide to creating an Italian-American classic that tastes like it came straight from a beloved nonna’s kitchen. Using readily available ingredients and simple, uncomplicated steps, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dinner that’s bursting with rich, comforting flavor. Get ready to add this incredible homemade lasagna to your cherished family recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lasagna

This isn’t just any lasagna recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients expertly combined to create culinary magic. Our classic baked lasagna stands out for several compelling reasons, making it an instant family favorite:

• Unforgettable Flavor: Each layer contributes to a symphony of tastes – the savory depth of the meat sauce, the creamy tang of ricotta, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the gooey indulgence of mozzarella. It’s a harmonious blend that satisfies every craving.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture: From the tender, yielding lasagna noodles to the hearty meat sauce and the rich, smooth cheese filling, every bite offers a delightful textural experience. The final bake results in a golden, bubbly top and a wonderfully set interior.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels. We break down each step, making the process intuitive and enjoyable. No culinary degrees required for gourmet results!
• The Ultimate Comfort Food: Lasagna is the quintessential comfort meal. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy evening, a family celebration, or feeding a crowd. Its aroma alone fills the home with a welcoming ambiance.
• Versatile and Customizable: While we stick to a beloved classic, this recipe provides a fantastic base for customization. Easily adapt it with different meats, vegetables, or cheese blends to suit your unique preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers: Lasagna tastes even better the next day! It’s an ideal dish for preparing in advance, and its excellent freezing capabilities make it perfect for future meals.

Essential Ingredients for a Deliciously Baked Lasagna

The secret to an exceptional homemade baked lasagna lies in selecting the right components. While the complete ingredient list is provided in the recipe card below, here’s a closer look at the key players and their roles in creating this flavorful dish:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our robust meat sauce. We recommend using lean ground beef to minimize excess grease. For an even richer flavor profile, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, or even just Italian sausage for a more pronounced herb and spice note.
• Marinara Sauce: This is where a significant portion of your lasagna’s character will come from. Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce you love, or use your favorite homemade recipe. We call for a generous amount (6 cups or two jars) to ensure a moist and flavorful lasagna, not a dry one!
• Ricotta Cheese: The heart of the creamy cheese layer. Full-fat ricotta provides the best texture and richness, offering a delightful tangy counterpoint to the savory meat sauce. Combined with an egg, it creates a stable, delectable filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible, classic lasagna stretch and gooeyness. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly and beautifully than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. However, pre-shredded is a perfectly acceptable option for convenience. You’ll need plenty for the internal layers and a beautiful golden top!
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, umami depth that elevates the entire dish. We incorporate it into both the meat sauce and the ricotta mixture for maximum flavor impact.
• Lasagna Noodles: Our recipe traditionally uses regular lasagna noodles that need to be pre-cooked to an al dente stage. This yields the best texture. If you prefer the convenience of oven-ready noodles, see our tips below for a simple adjustment.
• Aromatic Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper are crucial for building the savory flavor base of the meat sauce. These pantry staples ensure a well-seasoned and aromatic result.
• Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder in the ricotta mixture, helping it set beautifully during baking and preventing it from becoming watery.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): A vibrant garnish of fresh chopped basil adds a final flourish of color and a burst of herbaceous freshness, enhancing both the presentation and the aroma.

Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Homemade Lasagna

Elevate your homemade baked lasagna from great to extraordinary with these invaluable tips. These insights cover everything from ingredient choices to baking techniques, ensuring your lasagna is a resounding success every time.

• Noodle Nuances: Our recipe utilizes classic lasagna noodles that require pre-cooking to an al dente texture. This traditional approach yields the best mouthfeel. If you opt for oven-ready lasagna noodles for convenience, remember to increase the liquid in your meat sauce by about 1/2 cup (e.g., water or extra marinara) to ensure they have enough moisture to cook properly in the oven. This prevents them from being dry or tough.
• Meat Mastery: While ground beef is a fantastic choice, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for an intensified flavor profile. Whether you choose mild or hot Italian sausage, it adds a delightful spice and herb dimension. Always ensure your ground meat is thoroughly browned and all pink is gone, then meticulously drain off any excess grease. This crucial step prevents your lasagna from being greasy and ensures a cleaner, richer sauce.
• The Fresh Cheese Advantage: For the ultimate melt and stretch, freshly shredded mozzarella cheese is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can inhibit their melting consistency. However, if time is a factor, pre-shredded cheese will still work beautifully, just be aware of the slight difference in melt quality.
• Garlic’s Impact: While garlic powder provides a good base, switching to fresh minced garlic can significantly amplify the aroma and depth of your meat sauce. Approximately two teaspoons of fresh minced garlic can be used in place of one teaspoon of garlic powder. Add it to the skillet after draining the beef and sauté for about a minute until fragrant before adding the marinara.
• Strategic Cheese Topping: To prevent the top layer of mozzarella from becoming too hard or overcooked, consider holding back about 2 cups of the mozzarella until the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Bake the lasagna covered for the initial period, then uncover, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven until bubbly and golden. This ensures a perfectly melted, soft cheese topping. Alternatively, if you prefer simplicity, you can bake with all the cheese on top from the start; just keep it covered with foil for most of the baking time.
• The Golden Rule of Resting: This is perhaps the most important tip for beautifully sliced lasagna! After removing your baked lasagna from the oven, resist the temptation to cut into it immediately. Allow it to rest on the countertop for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to settle and the cheeses to firm up slightly, making for clean, well-defined slices that won’t collapse when served.
• Herbaceous Finish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving not only adds a vibrant burst of color but also introduces a fresh, aromatic contrast to the rich flavors of the lasagna. It’s an optional but highly recommended step for an enhanced presentation and taste.

How to Make Homemade Baked Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this delicious homemade baked lasagna is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to ensure every layer is perfect, leading to a truly irresistible final dish.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your lasagna is ready to bake.
2. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step will prevent the lasagna from sticking and make serving much easier. Set the prepared dish aside.

Step 2: Cook and Season the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles. Continue cooking until there is no pink left and the beef is fully cooked.
2. While the beef is browning, season it generously with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
3. Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is essential to prevent your lasagna from becoming oily.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and all 6 cups of marinara sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until the meat and sauce are perfectly combined into a rich, flavorful blend. Set this meat sauce aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Filling

1. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the entire 15-ounce tub of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups of the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese (which should be 1/4 cup if you used 1/4 cup in the sauce, totaling 1/2 cup Parmesan).
2. Mix these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. The egg acts as a binder, helping the ricotta mixture hold its shape during baking and contributing to a creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Cook 1 pound of lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften during baking.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles and carefully lay them out separately on a baking sheet or clean surface. Lightly spray the noodles with nonstick cooking spray to prevent them from sticking to each other while you assemble the lasagna. This small step saves a lot of hassle!

Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers

1. First Sauce Layer: To begin assembling, add 1 cup of the meat sauce to the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the entire bottom.
2. First Noodle Layer: Carefully arrange 5 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. You may need to cut one noodle along the shorter end to fit snugly across the dish.
3. First Ricotta Layer: Evenly spread ⅓ of the creamy ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
4. Second Sauce Layer: Add another 1 cup of meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the noodle, ricotta, and sauce layering process two more times. This will create a total of three ricotta layers.
6. Final Top Layer: Conclude the layering with the remaining 5 lasagna noodles, then pour and spread the rest of the meat sauce evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

1. Initial Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
2. Add Final Cheese: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
3. Final Bake: Return the uncovered lasagna to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is completely melted, golden, and beautifully bubbly.
4. Crucial Resting Period: Once out of the oven, transfer the lasagna to your countertop and let it cool slightly for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time is absolutely essential as it allows the layers to set, making for cleaner slices and much easier serving. Do not skip this step!
5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired, for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Slice and serve this magnificent homemade baked lasagna to a chorus of delighted murmurs!

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Your Homemade Lasagna

One of the many virtues of homemade lasagna is its versatility for meal prepping and its ability to store and reheat beautifully. Proper storage ensures you can savor its deliciousness for days to come, or even months!

• Refrigeration: Leftover baked lasagna will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For optimal freshness, either cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices into an airtight container.
• Reheating from the Refrigerator:
  • Microwave: For individual portions, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed through, usually 1-3 minutes depending on your microwave.
  • Oven: For larger portions or an entire refrigerated dish, cover it with aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until hot in the center. This typically takes 20-30 minutes for slices and longer for a whole dish.
• Freezing Baked Lasagna: Lasagna is an excellent candidate for freezing, both whole or in individual portions. Once your lasagna has completely cooled after baking:
  • Whole Dish: Wrap the entire baking dish tightly first with a layer of plastic wrap, then with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double wrapping protects against freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Individual Portions: Cut the cooled lasagna into individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This allows for convenient, single-serving reheating.
• Reheating Frozen Baked Lasagna:
  • Thawing First: For the best results, transfer the frozen lasagna (whether a whole dish or individual portions) to the refrigerator overnight to thaw completely. Once thawed, reheat in the microwave or oven as you would refrigerated leftovers.
  • From Frozen (Oven): If reheating directly from frozen, cover the lasagna with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour (for a whole dish), then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and bubbly. Individual frozen portions will take less time.
• Freezing Unbaked Lasagna: You can also assemble your lasagna ahead of time and freeze it before baking! Prepare the lasagna according to the recipe directions, ensuring all hot ingredients (like the meat sauce) have cooled completely before layering. Wrap the assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Baking Frozen Unbaked Lasagna: Transfer the frozen, unbaked lasagna to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, bake according to the recipe instructions provided, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it cooks through evenly.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

While our classic homemade baked lasagna recipe is a masterpiece in itself, it also serves as an excellent foundation for creative variations. Feel free to adapt it to your taste or dietary preferences. Pair it with simple yet elegant sides for a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

• Meat Alternatives: Beyond ground beef and Italian sausage, consider ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on the classic. For a richer flavor, lamb can also be incorporated.
• Vegetarian Delight: Easily transform this into a vegetarian lasagna by omitting the meat. Sautéed spinach (ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture), mushrooms, zucchini, roasted eggplant, or bell peppers make wonderful additions. A robust marinara sauce with extra vegetables provides plenty of flavor.
• Cheese Explorations: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, don’t hesitate to experiment! A layer of provolone can add a sharper, meltier quality, while a creamy béchamel sauce can replace or supplement the ricotta layer for a different texture and richness. Smoked mozzarella can also add a unique twist.
• Herbaceous Boost: Infuse your meat sauce with additional fresh herbs beyond basil. Fresh oregano, a sprig of rosemary, or even a bay leaf can deepen the aromatic complexity.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes added to the meat sauce during cooking will provide a pleasant kick.
• Serving Sides: Lasagna is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments.
  • Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
  • Garlic Bread: No Italian-American meal is complete without warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of delicious sauce.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Sides like roasted asparagus, steamed green beans with a touch of lemon, or balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts complement the flavors without overwhelming them.

Homemade Baked Lasagna

If you like classic, comforting and flavorful food, then you have to make my Homemade Baked Lasagna Recipe! A traditional lasagna with meat sauce, noodles and all the cheese!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 9

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
• 6 cups marinara sauce (2 jars)
• 15 ounce tub ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
• 1 pound lasagna noodles (16 ounces)
• Fresh chopped basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up, until there is no pink left. While it’s browning, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Take the skillet off the heat, add in ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese and all of the marinara sauce.
4. Mix together until combined, set aside.
5. In a large bowl, add together the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
6. Mix this together until everything is smooth and combined.
7. Cook lasagna noodles per the directions on the back of the box. Layout the noodles separately on a sheet tray, spraying the sheets lightly with nonstick cooking spray so they don’t stick to each other while you’re waiting to assemble the lasagna.
8. To assemble the lasagna, add 1 cup of the sauce to the bottom of the dish, spread it out so it covers the bottom.
9. Add a layer of 5 lasagna noodles on top – you may need to cut one along the shorter end to fit.
10. Top with ⅓ of the cheese mixture, smooth it out evenly.
11. Add another 1 cup of sauce. Repeat with the noodles and remaining steps two more times. Top with the remaining 5 lasagna noodles and the rest of the sauce.
12. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly. Take off the foil and add the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Place back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
13. Let cool slightly for about 15 minutes on the countertop to set up. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
14. Serve with a garnish of fresh basil, optional.

Notes

• I used regular lasagna noodles that need to be cooked for this recipe. You could use oven-ready lasagna noodles if you prefer. Just add about 1/2 cup of water to the sauce mixture before layering.
• Ground beef is amazing in this recipe but you can also use Italian sausage or even a mixture of the two together.
• Freshly shredded cheese works best as it melts easier when baking. However, you can still use prepackaged shredded cheese.
• Some fresh basil is my favorite topping for Baked Lasagna but you can top with parsley if you’d like – or nothing at all!
• Make sure that you take the foil off of the lasagna in the last 5 minutes to ensure the cheese gets completely melted.
• Note: I do bake this without the cheese on top, this is specifically because I don’t want the cheese to get too hard or overcooked. However, for simplicity sake, you can certainly bake with the cheese on top if you prefer.
• You can never go wrong with using fresh garlic. Add in about two teaspoons of minced garlic instead of the garlic powder.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 620 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50 g | Protein: 37 g | Fat: 30 g | Sodium: 1337 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 9 g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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