If you have ever craved the comforting embrace of layers upon layers of rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, look no further than this Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, flavor, and that irresistible Italian home-cooked vibe straight to your dining table. From the hearty meat sauce simmering with fragrant herbs to the creamy ricotta filling, every bite tells a story of love and tradition. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this lasagna is guaranteed to become one of your most cherished recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients form the backbone of a fantastic lasagna, each one playing a crucial role. From the savory meat that forms the soul of the sauce to the blend of cheeses that adds creamy richness, these components are thoughtfully selected to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Sweet Italian sausage (1/2 lb): Provides a flavorful, mildly spiced base for the meat sauce.
- Lean ground beef (1/2 lb): Adds hearty richness and satisfying texture to the sauce.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with meat.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Essential for that classic aromatic kick in every Italian dish.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Offers a fresh and vibrant tomato flavor with texture.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Gives a smooth, saucy consistency to the meat mixture.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Used to intensify the richness and deepen the sauce color.
- Sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the acidity of tomatoes gently.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): Adds a bright herbaceous note and freshness throughout.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): A classic Italian herb contrasting beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend that layers in complexity and earthiness.
- Fennel seeds (1/2 tsp, optional): Brings a subtle anise-like sweetness familiar in traditional Italian sausage.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Forms a creamy, slightly tangy filling that balances the savory meat sauce.
- Egg, beaten (1): Binds the ricotta mixture for smooth layering.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): Adds freshness directly into the cheese layer for brightness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Seasons the ricotta mixture perfectly.
- Lasagna noodles (12): The structural base stacking the delicious layers together.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups): Melts beautifully, giving that gooey, stringy cheese pull everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): Adds sharpness and a golden crust when baked.
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the sweet Italian sausage, lean ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic together in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is where the flavors marry and develop a rich base for your sauce. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds if you’re using them, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer, uncovered, for a full hour and a half. Stir it every so often to meld the flavors beautifully into that perfect savory meat sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While your meat sauce is taking all that time to develop depth, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until they’re al dente—meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to assemble your masterpiece.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and salt. This combination creates a rich, creamy layer that perfectly contrasts the meaty tomato sauce and adds luscious texture to every forkful. Set this mixture aside while you prep your baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the simmered meat sauce onto the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor from the first bite. Lay down four cooked noodles in a single layer on top. Next, spread about one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a little Parmesan. Add another layer of the meat sauce, then repeat this noodle-cheese-sauce layering two more times. End with a generous layer of meat sauce on top crowned with a lavish sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautifully browned crust.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow all the ingredients to meld and get hot throughout. Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for another 25 minutes or until the top cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers settle and makes for cleaner, more satisfying servings.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your lasagna presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch for both taste and visual appeal. These simple garnishes bring out the colors and brighten the overall dish, inviting everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread also complements the dish wonderfully, perfect for mopping up any leftover meat sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans round out the meal beautifully, adding freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe feel extra special, consider serving it in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personalized portions. You can also experiment with layering in extras like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even different cheeses like provolone or fontina to add new flavor twists while keeping the classic vibe strong.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the entire lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
Reheat lasagna gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely to keep them moist, heating in short bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles save time and simplify the process. Just make sure to add a bit more sauce to keep the noodles hydrated while baking, as they absorb liquid during the cooking process.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meat for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant sautéed with the sauce ingredients. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes to keep the rich texture and flavors.
Can I prepare the meat sauce ahead of time?
You can make the meat sauce up to two days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to assemble. This makes meal prep easier and lets the flavors develop even more.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a great substitute with a similar texture. Some also like to blend in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
How do I know when my lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top, and the sauce is hot throughout. A good sign is if the edges are bubbling and the noodles are tender when pierced with a knife.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a piping hot pan of Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe out of your oven and sharing it with loved ones. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why this hearty and flavorful lasagna becomes a favorite for dinners and special occasions alike.
Print
Easy Homemade Lasagna with Savory Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Easy Lasagna recipe features a rich meat sauce simmered with Italian sausage and ground beef, layered with creamy ricotta cheese mixture and gooey mozzarella, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting Italian-American favorite perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat until browned. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks and stir occasionally. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, chopped parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered over low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain noodles and set aside, making sure they do not stick together.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Assemble the First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan cheese on top. Then add another layer of meat sauce over the cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the lasagna to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Optional fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor to the sauce; omit if you prefer a traditional taste.
- For easier assembly, prepare the sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time.
- Use no-boil noodles if you want to skip the step cooking noodles, but adjust sauce moisture accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
