Why You Will Love This Homemade Lasagna Recipe
I truly feel there’s no better way to say “I love you” than to make a meal from scratch. There is just something about the process that makes you appreciate the food that much more! I’ve made lasagna countless times, but making it from scratch is on a whole different level. There is love in every single step of this recipe—from chopping the fresh vegetables for the flavor base to simmering the sauce and even making the homemade noodles. There was nothing more rewarding than seeing my fiancé dig into this lasagna and loving every single bite. If you want to make something your family will absolutely adore, you have to try this version.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage and Ground Beef:Â I like to use a mix of both because the sausage adds a depth of spice and fat that makes the sauce extra savory.
- Carrot, Celery, and Onion:Â This trio is the secret to a professional sauce; they soften down and provide a natural sweetness that balances the heavy meats.
- Garlic Cloves:Â Freshly minced garlic is a must to give the meat sauce that aromatic punch.
- Crushed Tomatoes and Chicken Stock:Â These create a rich, saucy consistency that isn’t too thick, ensuring the noodles cook perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, and Herb Blend:Â This combination of spices ensures the meat is seasoned at every level.
- Sugar:Â Just a pinch to cut through the sharpness of the tomatoes for a smooth finish.
- Ricotta Cheese and Egg:Â The egg is my favorite trick for keeping the ricotta fluffy and light so it doesn’t get watery during the bake.
- Parmesan and Parsley:Â These add a salty bite and a fresh, earthy note to the cheese filling.
- Cheddar Cheese:Â Using shredded cheddar for the topping gives it a beautiful golden color and a sharper flavor than traditional mozzarella.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna
To get started, you’ll want to finely chop your carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. We are going to begin by sautéing these veggies in a large pot until they become soft and translucent. Once they’re ready, move them to a plate so you can brown your Italian sausage and ground beef in that same pot. Make sure to break the meat down into small crumbles and season it well with your black pepper, garlic powder, and herb seasoning.
After the meat is fully browned, stir those sautéed veggies back in along with the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. This is when I add the sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt before letting it all simmer on low for about thirty minutes so the sauce can thicken. While that’s bubbling, grab a bowl to mix your ricotta, parmesan, parsley, and egg. The egg is key here because it binds the cheese together for better layers.
When you’re ready to assemble, spread a little bit of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish so nothing sticks. Lay down your noodles and start layering with more meat sauce, a sprinkle of cheddar, and dollops of the ricotta mixture. I usually repeat this until I have about five layers. Finish it off with a generous coating of cheddar and parmesan on the very top and bake it at 375°F for about thirty minutes. Once the cheese is golden and bubbling, let it sit for a few minutes so the layers set up before you cut into it.
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Tips for the Best Homemade Lasagna
- Sauté your mirepoix until it’s very soft so the vegetables melt into the sauce rather than having a crunchy texture.
- Use a meat masher to get your beef and sausage into very fine pieces for a more uniform sauce.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least fifteen minutes after taking it out of the oven to ensure your slices stay intact when serving. (THIS IS THE HARDEST STEP!)
Variations & Substitutions
- You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage if you want a lighter meat option.
- If you prefer a classic stretch, swap the cheddar cheese for a high-quality whole-milk mozzarella.
- You can also add a layer of fresh spinach into the ricotta mix for an extra boost of greens.
Other Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this, you have to try my Homemade Garlic Bread and One-Pan Creamy Shrimp and Sausage Pasta!
Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Description
This Homemade Lasagna Recipe is easy to follow, cheesy, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
Ricotta Filling
Other Ingredients Needed
Instructions
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Start by sautéing the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until the vegetables are translucent and soft.
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Remove the vegetables from the pot and set them aside, then add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the same pot.
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Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into fine crumbles, and season with black pepper, garlic powder, and garlic & herb seasoning.
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Add the sautéed vegetables back into the pot along with the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt.
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Simmer the meat sauce on low for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken.
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In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan, fresh parsley, egg, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F and begin assembly by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
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Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by more meat sauce, a handful of shredded cheddar, and dollops of the ricotta mixture.
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Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with a final layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining cheddar and parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, then let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 115mg39%
- Sodium 940mg40%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 27g54%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
