Homemade Lasagna With Meat Sauce

This easy Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce is layered with rich, hearty meat sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It bakes up hot, bubbly, and packed with classic flavor that will have your family begging for seconds.

Originally published December 2020 – Updated March 2026

Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Just one bite of this homemade lasagna and it’s easy to see why it’s always a favorite in my house. You get tender pasta layered with a rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory parmesan. It comes out of the oven bubbling and piping hot with all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave in a classic lasagna.

It’s also a super easy dinner for busy moms who want something hearty without a lot of fuss. It freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time or save the leftovers for another night. Every time I make this lasagna, my family comes running to the table before I’ve even grabbed the oven mitts. I bet yours will too.

If you’re serving a hearty pan of lasagna, a simple vegetable side like Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus or these Roasted Potatoes & Veggies make the perfect addition to the meal.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates the hearty, savory meat sauce.
• Medium onion: Adds depth and a little natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and tomato sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and beef while building flavor at the start.
• Tomato sauce: Coats the meat and noodles with rich, classic lasagna flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that gives the sauce its traditional Italian taste.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the meat sauce and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Pepper: Adds a little extra depth and warmth to the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the gooey layers that make lasagna so irresistible.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy cheese layer between the noodles.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that boosts the cheese mixture.
• Egg: Helps hold the ricotta mixture together so it bakes into a creamy layer.
• Lasagna noodles: Form the layers that hold the sauce and cheese together.

How To Make Homemade Lasagna

Step 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350° degrees. Sauté your onion and brown the meat in a large skillet.

Step 2. Next, drain the extra oil and add minced garlic. Cook for a couple minutes, or until you start to smell the garlic. Add the tomato sauce to the pan.

Step 3. Boil water and cook lasagna noodles according to the directions on the package.

Step 4. While the noodles cook, combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and egg in a bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5. Pour a layer of sauce into a 9×13 pan, then lay lasagna noodles on top. Add another layer of meat sauce.

Step 6. Top with a layer of ricotta cheese mixture, then add mozzarella.

Step 7. Repeat two more times, adding additional layers of noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture and mozzarella.

Step 8. Once your oven reaches 350°, pop the lasagna in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Storage Instructions

How To Store Lasagna In The Fridge

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the lasagna cool completely before covering and refrigerating.

How To Freeze

Cut the lasagna into individual servings and freeze them separately to save space and make reheating easier. Once cool, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months.

How To Reheat Lasagna

Reheat in a 350° oven until hot, about 30 minutes. Individual slices can be reheated in a toaster oven or microwave. If using the microwave, cover with a paper towel and tent it with a toothpick to prevent splatters. Heat for 1–2 minutes, or until hot and the cheese is melted.

Variations And Add-ins

This lasagna is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or what your family likes best. Here are a few simple ways to change it up.

• Add Italian sausage: Replace part of the ground beef with Italian sausage for even more flavor in the meat sauce.
• Add extra vegetables: Stir chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the sauce to add more texture and flavor.
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta: If you prefer a lighter cheese layer, cottage cheese works well in place of ricotta.
• Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle in chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Make it extra cheesy: Add an extra handful of mozzarella between the layers or on top before baking.
• Add a little heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a subtle kick.

Tips And Tricks

A few small tricks can make a big difference when making homemade lasagna. These tips will help your layers bake evenly and slice cleanly.

• Shred your own mozzarella if possible. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-clumping ingredients.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking so the layers set and slice neatly.
• Use a deep 9 x 13 baking dish. Lasagna layers stack up quickly, and a deeper dish helps prevent bubbling sauce from spilling over.
• Place the pan on a baking sheet in case the sauce bubbles over while baking. The sheet pan will catch it and save you from having to clean the oven afterwards.
• Use a pie server or thin spatula to lift slices. It slides under the layers easily and helps keep each serving intact.

FAQs

More Pasta Recipes

• Hot Dog Pasta
• Meatless Baked Ziti
• Chicken Pasta Casserole
• One Pan Philly Cheese Steak Pasta
• Easy Turkey Pasta Bake
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad