Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

I absolutely love this Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe because it hits all the right notes: rich, hearty, cheesy, and comforting — everything you want in a crowd-pleasing Italian classic. When I first tried making lasagna from scratch, I was amazed at how simple it actually was to layer all those flavors into one incredible dish.

You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you just need some good old-fashioned comfort food. The combination of a savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and melty cheeses makes it irresistible and pretty much guarantees your family will go crazy for it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating the iconic layers of this Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe. I recommend getting good-quality meats and cheeses—trust me, they make a noticeable difference.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when cooking the meat.
• Ground beef (90% lean): Lean meat ensures you get flavorful meat without too much grease.
• Ground pork: Adds extra depth and juiciness to the Bolognese sauce.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that boosts the sauce’s richness.
• Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jar for the base if you want to save some time.
• Kosher salt: Important for seasoning layers perfectly throughout the recipe.
• Whole milk: Essential for a creamy béchamel with nice body.
• Unsalted butter: Helps create a smooth roux for the béchamel.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel sauce to just the right texture.
• Ground nutmeg: A little pinch adds a traditional warmth to white sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the creamy béchamel with a mild bite.
• No-boil lasagna noodles: Saves time and makes assembly easier without sacrificing texture.
• Whole-milk mozzarella: Melts beautifully and stretches just right on top.
• Finely grated Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty flavor and amazing melting qualities.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking when covering with foil during baking.
• Fresh parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

While this Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe is delightful as is, I love customizing it depending on the occasion. Play around with these ideas to make it your own!

• Vegetarian version: Swap the meats for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach — I did this for a friend, and even the meat-lovers couldn’t tell!
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the Bolognese for a little heat; it adds a lovely warmth that wakes up the palate.
• Herb variations: Fresh basil or oregano mixed into the cheeses gives a more aromatic, garden-fresh vibe.
• Gluten-free noodles: No-boil gluten-free sheets work great and won’t mess with the layering or texture.

How to Make Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Perfect the Bolognese Sauce

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef and pork, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains—this takes about 6 minutes. I like to drain the excess fat here to keep the sauce hearty but not greasy. Then, stir in tomato paste and cook it for about a minute to bring out its flavor before adding the marinara sauce. Bring everything to a boil, add salt, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmer step is crucial because it lets all those flavors marry beautifully — don’t rush it!

Step 2: Whip Up the Béchamel Sauce

While the Bolognese simmers, warm the milk in a separate pot over medium heat until it’s just warm—not boiling—it helps when you add it to the roux later. Then, melt butter in a large pot, stir in flour, and cook the mixture until it’s a light tan and has a sandy texture, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the warm milk to avoid lumps and cook until thick and silky, about 3 to 5 minutes. A little nutmeg, salt, and pepper finish off this creamy sauce — it’s the little added touch that really brightens the flavor!

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a deep 13×9-inch baking dish and start by spreading a generous 1 1/2 cups of the Bolognese sauce on the bottom. Next, place 3 no-boil lasagna noodles across the sauce, then spread 3/4 cup of béchamel on top. Sprinkle with about one-fifth of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers 5 times, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top. Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray so it won’t stick, then cover the dish with the greased side down. This layered approach is what makes the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe so special — each bite has that perfect ratio of sauce, noodles, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Bake the covered lasagna for 20 minutes, then crank the oven up to 400°F, take off the foil, and bake uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden along the edges. For that extra signature crispy cheese top, switch your oven to broil on medium and broil for just about 1 minute — keep a close eye here because it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds! Then, let it cool for 15 minutes before serving; trust me, the wait is worth it so you get clean slices and the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my lasagna with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of green. Sometimes, I add a bit of extra grated Parmesan on the side for those cheese lovers at the table.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread—both complement the richness of the lasagna perfectly without being too heavy. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs incredibly well to cut through the creamy layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual lasagna portions in small ramekins for a fancy look—plus, it’s great for portion control and makes serving easy. Another fun idea is to sprinkle fresh basil leaves and a few cherry tomatoes around the dish for an extra festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually divide it into individual portions so it’s super easy to grab a slice for a quick meal next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe both before and after baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When I freeze it baked, I find reheating is quicker and tastes just as good!

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. I like to add a splash of water or extra béchamel to keep it moist, especially if it’s been frozen.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe is one of my all-time favorite dishes to make when I want to impress but still keep things cozy and familiar. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll enjoy the process, and your home will smell amazing while it bakes. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this, homemade lasagna becomes a beloved staple you’ll turn to again and again.

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