Homemade Lasagna Recipe – Cheesy, Saucy & Better Than Restaurant
If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, nothing beats homemade Lasagna. This three-cheese lasagna is loaded with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling. It’s easy to make, perfect for family dinners, and even better than what you’ll find in most restaurants.
Ingredients for the Best Lasagna
For the pasta:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup red wine (or beef broth substitute)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
For the cheese sauce:
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
For topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain, then rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the meat sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté beef and onion until browned.
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Pour in red wine (or beef broth) and reduce.
- Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Make the cheese mixture
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Mix until creamy.
4. Assemble the lasagna
- Spread ½ cup meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, ⅓ meat sauce, mozzarella, and half the cheese mixture.
- Repeat layers until noodles are used.
- Finish with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
5. Bake the lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover with foil (use toothpicks to prevent sticking).
- Bake 45 minutes, then broil uncovered for 3–5 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna
✅ Don’t overcook noodles; they’ll soften while baking.
✅ Use red wine for depth of flavor, or beef broth for a lighter version.
✅ Letting it rest ensures clean slices and layers.
✅ Garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-style finish.
Why This Homemade Lasagna Recipe Works
This lasagna is everything you want in comfort food: saucy, cheesy, beefy, and perfectly layered. It refrigerates and freezes well, making it a great meal prep dish. Serve it for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holidays – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
🍴 Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the best homemade lasagna recipe, this is it! Cheesy layers, rich meat sauce, and creamy filling come together for an unbeatable dish. Pair it with garlic bread and salad for the ultimate Italian-style dinner.