The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Ultimate Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Rich Meat Sauce, Creamy Ricotta, and Mozzarella
This homemade lasagna recipe is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions. With layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, every bite is a savory delight. The rich Italian sausage, pancetta, and ground beef create a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the cheesy layers. Easy to make with simple ingredients, this classic lasagna recipe is ideal for those looking for a hearty, delicious meal. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and can easily be customized with vegetarian options. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this lasagna will be a hit every time!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 ounces pancetta, diced
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine (choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking)
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 5 ounces fontina cheese, grated
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Lasagna:

• 15 lasagna noodles
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

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Instructions:

For the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat a large saucepan or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and pancetta, cooking for 2–3 minutes until browned.
2. Add sausage and ground beef, breaking up the meat into pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
4. Add tomato paste, then pour in wine and stir. Let it cook for 5 minutes. Add beef stock and crushed tomatoes, mixing well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for at least 40 minutes.
5. Stir in sugar, basil, parsley, and oregano. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

For the Ricotta Layer:

1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, fontina, egg, egg yolk, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.

For the Lasagna:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook lasagna noodles for 4 minutes. Use tongs to remove the noodles and place them on a sheet of parchment paper.
3. Shred mozzarella and grate parmesan. Set aside.
4. Assembly: Pour 1 cup of meat sauce into the casserole dish. Layer 5 noodles on top of the sauce. Add 3/4 cup ricotta mixture, followed by 1 and 1/2 cups of meat sauce and 1/4 cup of parmesan. Repeat 2 more times.
5. Top with the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a melty blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. The combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, pancetta, and fresh herbs creates a deep, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the cheesy layers. With a delicious balance of textures, this lasagna is sure to become your go-to recipe for family dinners and special occasions!

Tips

• Pre-cooking Noodles: While you can use no-boil noodles, pre-cooking the traditional noodles ensures they have the perfect texture.
• Resting Time: Letting the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking allows it to firm up, making slicing much easier.
• Wine Selection: Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking; it will add a rich depth of flavor to the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetable or mushroom-based sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: If you can’t find fontina, you can use mozzarella or provolone cheese as a substitute.
• Noodles: If you prefer a gluten-free lasagna, try using gluten-free lasagna noodles.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.

How long does this lasagna take to bake?
Baking time is around 45–50 minutes, with 30 minutes covered and an additional 15–20 minutes uncovered.

Serving

Serve this delicious lasagna with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine for the perfect Italian-inspired meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or special celebrations.

Suggestions

For an added touch, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan over the lasagna right before serving or drizzle with a bit of olive oil for extra richness. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter for a complete Italian feast!