If you have ever craved a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, you are in for a treat. This Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe is a rich, layered masterpiece that brings together hearty ground meat, luscious cheeses, and perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, all nestled between tender lasagna noodles. Every bite is like a warm embrace on a plate, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or special gatherings. The magic lies in the balance of flavors and textures—the savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and that golden baked top—guaranteed to become your go-to lasagna recipe for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to prepare this homemade lasagna is simple, thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the richness of the ground chuck and Italian sausage to the freshness of herbs and the creamy cheeses, every component builds the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish exceptional.
- 2 pounds ground chuck: Provides a hearty, flavorful base for the meat sauce and ensures a satisfying bite.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage: Adds seasoning and depth; spicy sausage can be used for a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the meat, contributing subtle richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture to the sauce once softened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- 28 ounces San Marzano crushed tomatoes: Provides a natural sweetness and smooth texture for the sauce.
- 30 ounces tomato puree: Adds thickness and a vibrant red color to the meat sauce.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded sauce.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps to loosen the sauce for perfect layering consistency.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Infuses freshness and herbaceous notes.
- 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves: Classic Italian herb for depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves: Adds a bright, sweet pungency to the sauce.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, mild filling that contrasts the robust meat sauce.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds the ricotta mixture to keep the layers intact.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Mixed into the ricotta for added herbal aroma.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning for the ricotta blend to enhance flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Added to the ricotta for slight warmth.
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Divided use for seasoning and topping with a nutty, salty kick.
- 9 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles: Saves time and simplifies layering without sacrificing texture.
- 1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for a stretchy, cheesy finish.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and positioning the rack in the middle. This ensures even heat distribution for perfect baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or lasagna pan with nonstick cooking spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after enjoying your delicious creation.
Step 2: Craft the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant. Then, add the ground chuck and Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart as it browns evenly and develops a deep, caramelized flavor. Once the meat is browned, stir in the San Marzano crushed tomatoes and tomato puree along with sugar, hot water, salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, and basil. Let this simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully—this rich meat sauce is the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This mixture adds creamy texture and a subtle herbal lift that perfectly balances the boldness of the meat sauce. Set aside—it’s the luscious middle layer you’ll treasure.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lasagna
Grab your prepared pan and start layering: spread a thin layer of meat sauce along the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking. Arrange a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a generous spread of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with remaining sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and finish by topping with the remaining Parmesan cheese. This layering builds the classic texture contrast and irresistible flavor combination of the Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden and bubbly cheese top. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help the layers set, ensuring clean, perfect portions and allowing the flavors to settle.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top adds a bright, fresh note and an inviting splash of color. For an extra touch, grate a little more Parmesan cheese or drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil to enhance every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cut through the richness of the lasagna beautifully. Garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks provide a lovely contrast in texture and help soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a gathering, portion lasagna into individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes and sprinkle with fresh herbs. For a family-style feast, serve in your baking dish at the table so everyone can dig in family-style. Pair the dish with a robust glass of red wine to elevate the entire dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover homemade lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, sometimes tasting even better the next day—making for fantastic leftovers.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully; simply cover the whole assembled or baked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Frozen lasagna will last for up to 3 months and will be ready to bake or reheat when you need a comforting meal in a pinch.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through, about 25 minutes. Leftover slices can also be microwaved on medium power in short intervals to avoid overly drying the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or mix ground turkey, chicken, veal, or even plant-based soy crumbles for the ground chuck and Italian sausage. Adjust seasoning as needed to preserve the full flavor profile.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles before assembling?
If you are using no-boil noodles, there’s no need to pre-cook them. They’ll soften perfectly during baking by absorbing moisture from the sauce. Regular noodles require boiling beforehand to ensure they don’t remain tough.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble your lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. This actually helps the flavors develop further. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from chilled.
What cheese combinations work best besides mozzarella and ricotta?
While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, you can add or substitute provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor nuances. Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top always elevates the dish.
Is this lasagna recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Definitely. This Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe yields around 10 servings and scales well. It’s an excellent option for potlucks, family dinners, or any event where you want to impress without stressing.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like the joy of digging into a slice of perfectly layered, bubbling hot Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills your home with heartwarming aromas, and satisfies even the biggest appetites. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this lasagna promises to be a standout centerpiece on your table. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your cooking repertoire!
Print
Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Homemade Lasagna with Meat Sauce recipe offers a rich, comforting Italian classic made with a blend of ground meats, savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, layered with no-boil lasagna noodles. Perfect for gatherings and family dinners, this dish combines aromatic herbs and spices to create a deliciously satisfying meal baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 2 pounds ground chuck (or ground turkey, chicken, veal, or soy crumbles as alternatives)
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed (optional: spicy sausage for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces San Marzano crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
- 30 ounces tomato puree (2 cans)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Assembly
- 9 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles (12–15 noodles)
- 1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole or lasagna pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the ground chuck and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree, then mix in granulated sugar, hot water, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, oregano, and basil. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, chopped basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Lay down a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles (about 3-4 noodles depending on size). Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese and then a layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble. Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, substitute sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage.
- No-boil lasagna noodles save time and simplify assembly but ensure enough sauce is used to soften them while baking.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with other protein options like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
