Lasagna—the very word conjures images of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that transcends cultures and generations, a warm hug on a plate. As a chef, I’ve had the privilege of tasting lasagnas from all over the world, but there’s something truly special about a homemade version—the one that brings back childhood memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.

Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe for the ultimate lasagna. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, with a rich Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and al dente noodles. But don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long ingredient list – this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night.

Ingredients for Homemade Best Lasagna

• For the Bolognese Sauce:
  • • 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 lb. (90% lean) ground beef
    • 1 lb. ground pork
    • 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
    • 2 (32-oz.) jars of marinara sauce
    • 2 tsp. kosher salt
• For the Béchamel Sauce:
  • • 4 c. whole milk
    • 1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter
    • 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
    • 2 tsp. kosher salt
    • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• For the Assembly:
  • • 15 no-boil lasagna noodles (about 9 oz.)
    • 1 lb. whole-milk mozzarella, shredded
    • 3 c. finely grated Parmesan (about 7 oz.)
    • Cooking spray
    • Chopped fresh parsley for serving

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Spoon
• Spatula
• Cheese grater (optional)

Instruction for Homemade Best Lasagna

• Crafting the Bolognese: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
• Building Flavor:
  • • Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
    • Reduce heat and let the Bolognese simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
    • Season with salt to taste.
• Béchamel Magic:
  • • In Melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
    • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
    • Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
    • Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Lasagna Symphony: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray. Now comes the fun part – assembly! Spread a thin layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom of the dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of Bolognese sauce and a beautiful blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Baking Bliss: Bake the lasagna for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Serves & Prep time

6-8 hungry people. Prep time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 40-45 minutes of cooking time.

Side Dish

Lasagna is a hearty dish that can stand alone. However, a simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread would be perfect as a side dish.

A Final Note

This recipe is a blueprint for creating your lasagna masterpiece. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables or substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef and pork. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and let the flavors simmer and develop.

Now, get cooking and create your own lasagna memories!

FAQs

Can I use pre-made Bolognese sauce?

Absolutely! This recipe is about creating a delicious lasagna, so if you’re short on time, using a good quality pre-made sauce is fine. Look for brands that boast slow-cooked, rich flavors for the best results.

Do I have to use no-boil lasagna noodles?

No, you can use regular lasagna noodles. However, pre-boiling them for a few minutes until al dente is necessary to prevent them from becoming rigid in the final dish.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

There are a few ways to make this vegetarian-friendly! Omit the ground beef and pork in the Bolognese sauce. For a meaty texture, you can replace them with lentils, crumbled tofu, or even finely chopped mushrooms.

My lasagna is watery. What went wrong?

There could be a couple of reasons for this. First, ensure your Bolognese sauce has simmered long enough for the flavors to develop and thicken.  Second, be mindful of the amount of sauce you use between layers. Too much sauce can make the lasagna soggy.

How can I reheat leftover lasagna?

Lasagna reheats beautifully! Cover the leftovers with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated.

Can I freeze lasagna?

Lasagna freezes exceptionally well! Once assembled and before baking, tightly wrap the dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.