Name: Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked); 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided); 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg (beaten); ½ pound lean ground beef; ½ pound Italian sausage; 1 yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 36 ounces pasta sauce (see note); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper

If you’ve ever wanted to wow your family or guests with a classic comfort dish, you’re going to love this Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, whether you’re a lasagna novice or just looking for a foolproof version, this recipe delivers that perfect harmony of savory meat, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles. Stick around—I’ll share tips that have made this my go-to lasagna for years!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Classic Made Easy: This homemade lasagna recipe breaks down each step so you get that rich, layered flavor with little fuss.
Balanced Meat & Cheese: The mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives a perfect, hearty flavor you’ll crave.
Family Approved: Over the years, this recipe has been a hit at every dinner table I’ve tried it—kid-friendly and grown-up approved.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance, store, and bake when needed—perfect for busy nights or special occasions.

The image shows a white square dish with several layers of lasagna. The bottom layer is soft cooked pasta sheets, topped by a thick layer of brown meat sauce mixed with reddish tomato sauce that looks chunky and moist. Above this is another layer of pasta, followed by a thick spread of melted light yellow cheese with golden brown spots, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. One piece of lasagna has been taken out, revealing the layers clearly on a white marbled surface. The cheese on top looks bubbly and slightly browned with a bit of gooey stretched texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Lasagna, Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese, classic lasagna recipe, easy meat lasagna, cheesy lasagna dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe lies in the quality and harmony of the ingredients. I always recommend fresh cheeses and a good-quality pasta sauce—it makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of uncooked rectangular lasagna noodles neatly stacked, a small mound of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small pile of shredded Parmesan cheese, a fresh whole yellow onion with shiny skin, two whole cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red pasta sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding thick, deep red tomato paste, fresh bright green parsley sprigs loosely arranged, a raw whole egg with a smooth clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy white ricotta cheese, and fresh raw lean ground beef and Italian sausage side by side in small portions placed on a simple white ceramic dish, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Homemade Lasagna, Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese, classic lasagna recipe, easy meat lasagna, cheesy lasagna dish

Lasagna noodles: Use regular or no-boil noodles; I prefer boiling for perfect texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts better—avoid pre-shredded for clump-free layers.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, nutty punch; fresh-grated is ideal.
Salt: Balances all the flavors—season in layers for best results.
Lean ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor; lean ensures it doesn’t get greasy.
Italian sausage: Gives a little spicy, herby kick—use sweet or hot depending on taste.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; diced fine so it melts into the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Always fresh for punch and aroma.
Pasta sauce: Your favorite jarred or homemade; thicker sauces work better to avoid watery layers.
Tomato paste: Thickens sauce and enhances tomato flavor.
Italian seasoning: Classic blend; if you can, use fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild; cottage cheese is a budget-friendly substitute, but ricotta is my favorite.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the cheese mixture and adds freshness.
Large egg: Binds the cheese layer for clean slices when served.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe is flexible, so feel free to customize based on what you have or prefer. Here are a few ways I’ve made it my own over time.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini—my go-to when I want a meatless meal that still feels hearty.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to your meat sauce or choose spicy Italian sausage if you want to kick up the heat a bit.
Cheese Swap: Sometimes I mix in some shredded provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a richer cheese blend.
Gluten-Free Version: Easily use gluten-free lasagna noodles; just watch your cooking times since they vary.

How to Make Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil—this step is crucial for properly seasoned noodles. Add your lasagna noodles and cook until just al dente, meaning they’re tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooked noodles make your lasagna mushy, so take them out right on time. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and lay them flat on a lightly oiled tray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic—breaking the meat up as it cooks—until no pink remains. Don’t rush this step; the browning adds deep flavor. Drain off excess fat to keep it from getting greasy. Then stir in your pasta sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly—you want the sauce saucy but not watery.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, fresh parsley, beaten egg, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella, ¼ cup of Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. This cheesy layer is creamy and rich, and the egg helps it set beautifully so your lasagna slices hold together when plated.

Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna

Grab a 9×13 casserole dish and spread 1 cup of meat sauce over the bottom. Lay down 3 noodles side by side, then spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another cup of meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times—three layers of noodles, cheese, and meat sauce in total. Top with your final 3 noodles and cover those with the remaining meat sauce.

Step 5: Bake and Brown

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is nicely browned and bubbly. For an ultra-golden crust, I like to broil mine for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

This last step might seem small, but it makes a huge difference. Let your lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking—this lets the layers set so your slices come out perfect, not sloppy. I promise the wait is worth it!

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Noodle Care: Rinsing cooked noodles under cold water stops cooking and prevents them from sticking together, which is key for neat layers.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems thin, simmer longer to thicken—it helps avoid watery lasagna, which can be a common frustration.
Cheese Binding: Adding an egg to the ricotta mixture keeps your cheese layers from oozing out, giving you clean slices every time.
Resting Time: Don’t skip resting after baking—cutting too early leads to messy servings.

How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered lasagna showing about four layers of pasta sheets and rich sauce mixed with browned ground meat. The top layer has melted, slightly browned cheese with scattered green herb pieces. The lasagna is cut into six hearty square servings, and around the dish there is a striped cloth and a small bowl of green herbs. The whole scene is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Lasagna, Homemade Lasagna with Meat and Cheese, classic lasagna recipe, easy meat lasagna, cheesy lasagna dish

Garnishes

I like topping my lasagna slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works nicely too if you want a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I usually serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes perfect dippers for any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins or use decorative oven-safe dishes for a charming presentation. You could also add a layer of grilled veggies between the meat and cheese layers for an elegant twist when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which, honestly, is rare at my house), cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually slice it into portions first—that way you can grab just what you need without messing with the whole dish.

Freezing

This Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping tightly, and freezing before baking. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen—just add about 15-20 extra minutes and keep it covered with foil to prevent over-browning.

Reheating

Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes) to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve its layered texture, but if you do, cover loosely and heat in short intervals to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles in this Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe?

Yes! No-boil noodles work well here and save time, but make sure your sauce is a bit more on the moist side to properly hydrate them during baking. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth before assembling.
What’s the best way to prevent the lasagna from getting watery?

Drain cooked noodles well, brown and drain the meat fat properly, and simmer your sauce to thicken before assembling. Also, resist adding extra liquid ingredients. These steps help keep your lasagna’s layers thick and luscious instead of soggy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just remember to bake it a little longer if it’s coming straight from the fridge. This makes dinner prep a breeze on busy days.
What type of cheese is best for the ricotta mixture?

Ricotta cheese works best for creaminess and mild flavor, but if you want a budget alternative, cottage cheese is fine—just try to find a smooth, small-curd variety. Mixing in fresh parsley brightens the taste and adds freshness too.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Cheese Recipe has become a treasured staple in my kitchen because it strikes that perfect balance between traditional taste and approachable cooking. I love how it brings everyone together around the table, with layers of comfort in every bite. You’ll enjoy the satisfying process and the flavors that sing! Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite lasagna recipe.