Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food—a layered masterpiece of pasta, rich sauces, gooey cheese, and endless flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or indulging in a cozy weeknight dinner, making the perfect lasagna doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow this guide for a step-by-step recipe, pro tips, and variations to suit every palate.
Ingredients you’ll need (for 6-8 servings)
For the meat sauce:
- 450g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 800 g crushed tomatoes
- 30 g tomato paste
- 5 g sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 g dried oregano
- 1 g dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley
- 450g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
For assembly:
- 12 lasagna sheets (no-boil or regular, cooked as per package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
The process
Start by making your meat sauce. Brown the meat in a skillet, then add onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. Meanwhile, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
Once your components are ready, it’s time to assemble. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of pasta, followed by the ricotta mixture, sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat this process until the dish is full, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
Bake the lasagna covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure the layers hold together.
Lasagna is proof that the best things in life come in layers—patience, love, and a little cheese..
Serve your lasagna with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal. A glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine makes for a perfect pairing, but iced tea works just as well for a non-alcoholic option.
Have you ever tried the different variants to classic Lasagna?
Lasagna is incredibly versatile, and its classic recipe is just the starting point for endless variations. For a vibrant twist, try a pesto lasagna, layering creamy ricotta with basil pesto and fresh mozzarella for a lighter, herbaceous flavor. If you love hearty combinations, a broccoli and sausage lasagna balances the savory richness of Italian sausage with the earthy crunch of broccoli. For something seasonal, a pumpkin and bacon lasagna offers a sweet and smoky profile, with velvety pumpkin puree layered alongside crispy bacon and sage-infused béchamel. These creative takes on lasagna prove that this beloved dish is perfect for experimentation and tailored to suit any occasion or craving.
Making lasagna from scratch is a labor of love, but the result is always worth it. With this guide, you’ll master a dish that’s not only satisfying to eat but also deeply rewarding to create.
Do you have your own secret lasagna tips or unique variations? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make this classic dish your own!
