Delicious Homemade Lasagna Recipe

Delicious Homemade Lasagna Recipe – A Layered Italian Classic

Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes, featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This easy-to-follow lasagna recipe will help you create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Follow our step-by-step guide to make the perfect lasagna with a golden, cheesy crust.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe

✅ Rich and Flavorful: A perfect balance of meaty, cheesy, and creamy textures.
✅ Easy to Make: Simple, step-by-step instructions suitable for beginners.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when needed.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, holidays, or gatherings.

Ingredients for Homemade Lasagna

For the Meat Sauce:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or ground lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna sheets (pre-cooked or no-boil)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lasagna

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

2. Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add salt and nutmeg, then continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
3. Place a layer of lasagna sheets on top.
4. Spread another layer of meat sauce, followed by béchamel sauce.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

4. Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

🔹 Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances flavor.
🔹 Let It Rest Before Cutting: This helps the layers set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart.
🔹 Customize Your Recipe: Add mushrooms, spinach, or ricotta cheese for extra texture.
🔹 Make It Ahead: Lasagna tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge or freeze for later.

Serving Suggestions

🍷 Pair with Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the rich flavors.
🥗 Serve with a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
🍞 Add Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.

Final Thoughts

This homemade lasagna is a comfort food favorite that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this classic layered dish will impress everyone at the table.