Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, savory, layered pasta dish filled with hearty meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey melted cheese.
It’s a timeless Italian classic that satisfies the soul and brings people together around the table.
This homemade lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or weekend meal prep.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each step of creating the perfect lasagna, from scratch-made sauces to assembly tips and baking techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, you’ll love how delicious and rewarding this recipe is.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef or a beef/pork mix
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Béchamel Sauce: - 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (warm)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For Assembly: - 9–12 lasagna noodles (boiled or no-boil type)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until thickened.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Season with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles.
Add a layer of béchamel sauce, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with béchamel and cheese on top.
- Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna:
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience, or boil traditional noodles slightly underdone.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to hold its shape when slicing.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Variations: - Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with roasted vegetables or lentils.
- White Lasagna: Use chicken and spinach with béchamel sauce only.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the meat sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I freeze lasagna?
A: Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q: What can I serve with lasagna?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or grilled vegetables pair beautifully.
Final Thoughts:
Homemade lasagna takes a little time and love, but the result is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that never fails.
With layers of flavor and a golden, cheesy top, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try, share your photos on social media, and don’t forget to tag Dreammy Recipes!
