Best Homemade Cheesy Lasagna | Layers of Rich Flavor

This easy Lasagna recipe is completely elevated, with a flavorful red sauce, white sauce, and ground beef and sausage. The best recipe that you need for a meal! 

Looking for more Italian recipes? Try this Creamy Pasta Alfredo & Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients (For 3 Servings)

✅ 3 pounds of ground beef

✅ 3 pounds ground Italian sausage

✅ 3 large white onions, diced

✅ 15 cloves minced garlic

✅ 90 ounces of ricotta cheese

✅ 3 (28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes

✅ 6 (6-ounce cans) tomato paste

✅ 3 (15-ounce can) tomato sauce 

✅ 3 large eggs

✅ 1 ½ cups of white wine

✅ 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

✅ 1 ½ cups chopped fresh basil

✅ ¾ cup chopped fresh parsley

✅ 3 teaspoons fennel seeds

✅ 3 teaspoons dried oregano

✅ ⅜ teaspoon ground nutmeg

✅ ¾ teaspoon black pepper

✅ 3-pound lasagna pasta

✅ 3 pounds of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese, about 24 slices

✅ 3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

✅ 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

✅ 1 ½ teaspoon salt

How to make Cheesy Lasagna

Step 1:

First, add ground sausage and ground beef to a large pot over medium heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in onion and garlic and cook until meat is well browned, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar, fresh basil, fennel, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and wine*. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1-4 hours* (see notes), stirring occasionally.

Step 2:

Meanwhile, place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Pour hot tap water directly over the noodles, making sure the pasta is completely immersed in the water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard the water.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.

Step 4:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a deep dish 9x13 or lasagna pan*.

Step 5:

To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the prepared lasagna pan, just enough to cover the bottom. Place 4 lasagna sheets on top. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta. Top with 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce over the mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 6:

Repeat layering two more times with pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, meat sauce, then parmesan cheese, creating three complete layers.

Step 7:

To finish, place a final layer of pasta sheets. Then spread 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the pasta and keep it from drying out. Top with the remaining mozzarella slices and the remaining parmesan cheese.

Step 8:

Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes to allow cheese to brown. Serve hot.

Tips

🔖 Simmer the Sauce Longer for Flavor

– If you have time, let the meat sauce simmer for 2–3 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer and deeper the flavor becomes.

🔖 Soak Lasagna Sheets Instead of Boiling

– Just like in your recipe, soaking in hot water saves time and prevents noodles from breaking apart.

🔖 Mix Cheeses for Best Flavor

– Use a combo of mozzarella for stretchiness, parmesan for saltiness, and ricotta for creaminess. You can even add provolone for an extra layer of flavor.

🔖Use Fresh Herbs for Authentic Taste

– Fresh basil and parsley bring out the Italian flavors much better than dried herbs.

🔖 Don’t Skip the Egg in Ricotta

– The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays creamy and doesn’t run when you cut the lasagna.

🔖 Layer Cheese Evenly

– Spread the ricotta in a thin, even layer to avoid clumps and get a consistent cheesy bite in every forkful.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal                 Protein: 19g 

Vitamin A: 1255IU                Vitamin C: 14mg

Carbohydrates: 13g             Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 11g               Calcium: 368mg 

Cholesterol: 71mg               Potassium: 494mg

 Iron: 2mg                             Sugar: 6g

Fiber: 2g

Making lasagna can feel like a big task, but following these steps ensures a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Remember, the longer you let the meat sauce simmer, the deeper and more layered the flavors become. Patience really pays off here. Soaking the noodles instead of boiling them saves time and prevents breaking, giving you those perfect pasta layers every time. Don’t forget to mix your cheeses well: mozzarella for that gooey stretch, ricotta for creaminess, and parmesan for a hint of saltiness. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevate the taste and give it an authentic Italian touch. When assembling, spreading the ricotta evenly helps each bite stay creamy and prevents clumping.

Lasagna is best enjoyed warm straight from the oven, paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner for busy nights. Don’t rush the layering process, and taking your time ensures a visually appealing dish that tastes as good as it looks. Most importantly, enjoy the process! Cooking is about sharing love and creating comfort, and a homemade lasagna does exactly that. Serve, savor, and watch everyone smile with each bite.

If you try this Cheesy Lasagna Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always appreciate hearing your thoughts. Do not forget to try our recipes like Alfredo Pasta & Chicken Wrap