There’s something truly comforting about a bubbling tray of homemade lasagna, and it never fails to bring back wonderful memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. Just think about that first slice, glistening with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—each bite telling a story of love and warmth.

After a particularly hectic week, I found myself craving the satisfaction that only a truly delicious homemade dish could deliver. That’s when the idea of crafting the best lasagna filled my mind. A dish that not only feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up. With the perfect balance of flavors—from savory Italian sausage to fresh basil—you’ll have your friends and family wondering if you’ve turned your kitchen into a cozy Italian trattoria. Trust me, once you embrace this recipe, you’ll be saying goodbye to takeout and embracing the joy of cooking from scratch. Let’s dive into the magic of making your new favorite comfort food!

Why is this the Best Lasagna recipe?

Comforting Layers: You’ll love how each layer blends together to create a dish that feels like a hug in a baking dish.

Flavor Explosion: The savory combination of ground sirloin and Italian sausage melds with rich marinara for an unforgettable taste.

Simple Steps: With just an hour in the kitchen, you can create something remarkable without culinary gymnastics.

Crowd-Pleaser: This lasagna is perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied!

Fresh Ingredients: The use of vibrant herbs and fresh ricotta provides a freshness that store-bought varieties simply can’t match.

By the end of this recipe, you’ll find yourself converted to lasagna nights instead of fast food runs — an experience everyone can enjoy!

Best Lasagna Ingredients

For the Sauce
• Olive oil – a flavorful base for sautéing your veggies and meats.
• Yellow onion – adds depth and sweetness to your sauce.
• Carrots – enhances the sauce with natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery – brings a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavor.
• Garlic – infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
• Dry white wine – deglazes the pan and adds a lovely acidity.
• Whole milk – provides creaminess to balance the sauce.
• Ground sirloin – lean meat that offers a hearty texture.
• Mild Italian ground pork sausage – infuses the sauce with a flavorful kick.
• Dried Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that elevates the taste of your sauce.
• Kosher salt – essential for enhancing and balancing flavors.
• Marinara sauce – the heart of the lasagna, creating delicious layers.

For the Cheese Mixture
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley – adds a hint of freshness and color.
• Fresh basil – infuses a delightful herby flavor, vital for the best lasagna.
• Whole-milk ricotta cheese – creamy goodness that makes the lasagna rich and smooth.

For the Assembly
• Lasagna noodles – the key component holding all that deliciousness together.
• Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully for a perfect topping.
• Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese – adds a salty finish and a nice texture contrast.

Enjoy gathering these ingredients as you prepare for a wonderfully enticing spaghetti night!

How to Make Best Lasagna

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth!
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. This step adds depth with its aromatic richness—your taste buds will start waking up!
Add ground sirloin and Italian sausage, cooking until browned, roughly 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain excess fat for a lighter dish!
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a lovely acidity that lifts the flavors.
Stir in milk, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well, allowing the sauce to meld together for that comforting taste.
Add marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer; cook for 10 minutes, letting those flavors mingle beautifully.
Combine ricotta cheese, parsley, and half of the basil in a separate bowl. This will give your lasagna its creamy, flavorful layer!
Preheat the oven to 375°F while you layer your masterpiece. The anticipation will make it more exciting!
Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Then, place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. It’s like building a warm, cheesy fort!
Layer the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat until you’ve used up the ingredients, ending with meat sauce on top for a tantalizing finish.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create that irresistible, bubbly crust everyone loves!
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step helps steam the noodles until perfectly tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This is crucial to allow the layers to set; garnish with remaining parsley and basil for a fresh touch.

Optional: Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Best Lasagna make-ahead options are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the meat sauce and ricotta mixture up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. Assemble your lasagna by layering the noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixtures when you’re ready to eat. To maintain the best quality, cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This way, you’ll enjoy all the comforting flavors of homemade lasagna without the last-minute stress!

How to Store and Freeze Best Lasagna

Fridge: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the lasagna tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual pieces on medium power, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in.

Layering Tips: When layering your lasagna, consider freezing individual portions for quick meals later, making it easy to enjoy the best lasagna anytime!

Expert Tips for Best Lasagna

Perfect Layers: Ensure your lasagna noodles are not overcooked before layering. They should be slightly firm to maintain structure.

Flavor Boost: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your best lasagna. It enhances the overall taste!

Let It Rest: Always allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Storage Secrets: If you have leftovers, store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the textures.

Ingredient Swap: Feel free to substitute any ground meat with turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter option.

Best Lasagna Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your lasagna with these delightful twists that will spark your culinary creativity!

Vegetarian: Swap ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a fresh and hearty option. You won’t miss the meat with all those lovely veggie flavors!
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to enjoy a layered masterpiece without wheat. Make sure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free for a satisfying, worry-free meal.
Spicy: Incorporate spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an extra kick. Each bite will have your taste buds dancing with excitement!
Creamy: Add in a layer of béchamel sauce to enhance creaminess if you crave something richer. This twist will elevate the texture and bring luxury to each forkful.
Herb-Infused: Mix in freshly chopped rosemary or thyme with the ricotta for an aromatic twist. It adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or fontina to shake things up. The delicious, melty textures will create a fantastic, creamy layer!
Nutty Texture: Sprinkle some crushed walnuts or pine nuts between the layers for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.
Sweet Spinach: Add a layer of sautéed sweet spinach with a touch of nutmeg into the ricotta mix for a deliciously subtle twist that surprises with every bite.

Let your culinary imagination run wild and personalize your dish for unforgettable lasagna nights!

What to Serve with Best Lasagna?

There’s nothing like enjoying a homemade Italian feast, where tantalizing aromas fill the air and the excitement of a shared meal begins.

Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted and buttery, it adds a crunchy counterpoint to the soft layers of lasagna. Your taste buds will thank you with every dip in savory sauce!
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a delightful freshness that balances the richness of the lasagna. Every bite brings a zesty surprise to the table!
Grilled Vegetable Platter: Colorful veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a light, smoky flavor that enhances the hearty comfort of the main dish. It’s a vibrant summer-inspired pairing!
Red Wine: A bold Merlot or Chianti complements the savory notes of the lasagna while elevating your dining experience. Sip slowly and enjoy each flavorful moment!
Italian Thunder Cake: This delightful layered dessert, with chocolate and cream, offers a sweet ending that echoes the lasagna’s comforting layers. It’s truly a celebration of flavors!
Antipasto Platter: Charcuterie boards filled with cured meats, olives, and cheeses provide a savory start to your meal, enhancing the Italian theme and tantalizing your senses.
Tiramisu: End your meal with this classic dessert layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone, creating a luscious and unforgettable sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the main course.
Sparkling Water: Crisp and refreshing, it’s the perfect palate cleanser between meaningful bites, keeping the focus on the rich flavors of your delicious lasagna.

Best Lasagna Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my ingredients are ripe or fresh?
Absolutely! When selecting vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for your best lasagna, look for firm, vibrant vegetables. The onions should be dry and free from dark spots or sprouting, while carrots should be crisp and not limp. Check for celery stalks that are tightly packed and green, with no yellowing leaves.

How should I store leftover lasagna?
Store your leftover best lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation that can make it soggy. If you want to keep it longer, it’s best to freeze it!

Can I freeze my lasagna, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze your lasagna, I recommend wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it so you know the contents and date! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

What should I do if my lasagna is watery?
If your best lasagna turns out watery, it’s often due to excess moisture from the ingredients. One tip is to sauté your vegetables until they’re softened to reduce their moisture content before layering. Additionally, ensuring that your sauce isn’t too runny before baking will help prevent this issue.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! It’s essential to remember that while this homemade best lasagna is delightful for you, ingredients like garlic and onions are toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, note that this recipe contains dairy, gluten (from the noodles), and meat. Consider using gluten-free noodles and dairy alternatives to accommodate allergies.