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Lasagna Recipe – Rich, Cheesy & Family-Favorite

freshly baked lasagna in white ceramic dish on marble countertop, golden cheese bubbling, steam rising

Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and bubbling golden perfection — this lasagna recipe is pure comfort in every bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for feeding family or guests. Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a make-ahead meal, this classic dish delivers the kind of warmth that brings everyone to the table.

close-up of lasagna recipe slice with melted cheese stretch and rich tomato sauce layers

Lasagna Recipe – Rich, Cheesy & Family-Favorite

This lasagna recipe is rich, cheesy, and comforting — made with layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and creamy ricotta for a perfect family dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort food, Italian
Servings 8
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef or half beef, half sausage
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 24 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity

For the Cheese Layer:

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp parsley fresh or dried

For Assembly:

  • 9 lasagna noodles cooked
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Make the Meat Sauce:

  • In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Mix the Cheese Layer:

  • In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer:
  • 1 cup meat sauce
  • 3 noodles
  • Half the ricotta mixture
  • 1 cup mozzarella
  • Repeat, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.

Bake:

  • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes longer, until bubbly and golden.

Rest:

  • Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

💡 Letting lasagna rest helps the layers set for clean slices.

🧊 Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Keyword baked lasagna, cheesy lasagna, classic lasagna, easy lasagna, lasagna recipe

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Swap ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage for extra flavor.
  • Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for a veggie boost.
  • Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freeze leftovers in single portions for quick dinners.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a simple side salad and garlic bread.
  • Serve with red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color.
modern dinner table with plated lasagna, red wine glass, basil garnish, bright natural light

💬 Every layer tells a story of comfort, flavor, and shared moments around the table.
— From The Recipe Host: Where flavor feels like home.

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