The Best Lasagna Recipe – Cheesy, Saucy & Absolutely Delicious!

Nothing says comfort food like a hearty, cheesy, and saucy lasagna fresh out of the oven. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this homemade lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite!

Follow along as we guide you through the best lasagna recipe, packed with pro tips, ingredient breakdowns, and step-by-step instructions.

Why This is the Best Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved for its rich flavors and satisfying layers. But what makes this the best lasagna recipe?

Perfectly Balanced Layers: A rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella create the ultimate bite.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: A homemade marinara with garlic, onions, basil, and oregano makes all the difference.
Golden-Brown Cheese Crust: The cheesy, bubbly topping is pure perfection.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Ideal for meal prep or special occasions.

A freshly baked lasagna in a glass dish, featuring golden melted cheese, bubbling marinara sauce, and neatly stacked pasta layers, garnished with fresh basil

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Lasagna Recipe

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this lasagna truly special.

1. Lasagna Noodles

Choose between:

  • Traditional lasagna noodles: Need to be boiled before layering.
  • No-boil noodles: Save time and absorb extra sauce for a firmer texture.

2. The Ultimate Meat Sauce for the best lasagna recipe

A flavorful sauce is key! You’ll need:

  • Ground beef and Italian sausage: A rich, meaty combination.
  • Marinara sauce: Use homemade or a quality store-bought one.
  • Garlic & onions: For depth of flavor.
  • Basil & oregano: Classic Italian seasoning.

3. The Perfect Cheese Blend for the best lasagna recipe

  • Ricotta cheese: For creaminess.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite.
A flat lay of lasagna ingredients, including uncooked lasagna noodles, bowls of ricotta and shredded mozzarella, fresh basil, and a pan of simmering meat sauce with a wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Make The Best Lasagna from Scratch

1. Cook the Meat & Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onions, garlic, and marinara sauce, seasoning with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop rich flavors.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, an egg, and a pinch of salt & pepper. This will give the lasagna its creamy texture.

3. Layering the Lasagna

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer in this order:
1️⃣ A thin layer of meat sauce: Prevents sticking.
2️⃣ Lasagna noodles: Lay evenly, overlapping slightly.
3️⃣ Ricotta cheese mixture: Spread gently.
4️⃣ Mozzarella cheese: A generous sprinkle.
5️⃣ Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with extra mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Hands layering a lasagna in a glass dish, spreading meat sauce over noodles, adding ricotta, and sprinkling mozzarella, with a wooden countertop in the background

4. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing – this helps the layers stay intact!
A close-up of freshly baked lasagna with bubbling melted cheese, slightly browned edges, and a spatula lifting a cheesy slice

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Avoid Watery Lasagna: Drain excess fat from the meat and use a thick sauce.
Get Perfect Pasta Layers: If using boiled noodles, cook them slightly underdone to prevent mushiness.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
Cheese Perfection: Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Lasagna Recipe

1. Can I Make Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!

2. What’s the Best Cheese Substitute for Ricotta?

Use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

3. Can I Freeze Homemade Lasagna?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked (wrapped in foil) for up to 3 months. When ready, bake at 375°F for about 1 hour from frozen.

4. What Side Dishes Pair Well with Lasagna?

  • Garlic Bread: A must-have for scooping up extra sauce.
  • Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich lasagna.
  • Roasted Vegetables: A light, flavorful side.
A plated serving of lasagna with melted cheese stretching as a fork lifts a bite, accompanied by a Caesar salad and garlic bread on a rustic wooden table

Final Thoughts

This cheesy, saucy, and absolutely delicious lasagna recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe never disappoints.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Tag us on social media with #SpicedUpRecipes to share your delicious creation. 🍽️💛

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