Name: Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles: Forms the structure of the layers; 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and added richness; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides savory, meaty depth; 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma; 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers bold, classic Italian flavor; 3 cups marinara sauce: Tomato base that ties the dish together; 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy middle layer; 1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with herbs; Salt and pepper to taste: For balanced seasoning; Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish and freshness

Description

This Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, this lasagna is guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

Scale

12 lasagna noodles: Forms the structure of the layers
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and added richness
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides savory, meaty depth
1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers bold, classic Italian flavor
3 cups marinara sauce: Tomato base that ties the dish together
15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy middle layer
1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Enhances the sauce with herbs
Salt and pepper to taste: For balanced seasoning
Fresh basil leaves (optional): For garnish and freshness

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened (2–3 minutes).
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of remaining marinara on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer 3 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
Repeat with 3 more noodles, remaining ricotta, more sauce, and another 1/3 of mozzarella.
Finish with the last 3 noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with basil if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook noodles—al dente is key.
Let the lasagna rest before slicing to prevent layers from sliding.
Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge.
Freezes well before or after baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Easy & Cheesy Homemade Lasagna, classic lasagna, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, ricotta lasagna, mozzarella lasagna