The Perfect Classic Homemade Lasagna (with Gluten-Free Options!)
Nothing says comfort food like a bubbling dish of homemade lasagna. Whether you’re gathering around the table for Sunday dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this classic lasagna recipe is your go-to for soul-warming, cheesy perfection. And yes there’s gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.
Why This Lasagna Recipe Is So Loved
This isn’t your average weeknight pasta. This is deep, layered flavor from a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce to creamy bechamel (yes, we said bechamel!) and perfectly al dente noodles. It’s everything a traditional lasagna should be: savory, saucy, cheesy, and satisfying.
Reader Favorite: Hands down the best lasagna I’ve ever made. The gluten-free version was a hit, even my non-GF friends didn’t notice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Ricotta Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
A 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Salt & pepper
For Assembly:
9 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Classic Lasagna, Step-by-Step
1. Build the Sauce
In a large skillet, brown your beef or sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Boil the Noodles
Cook noodles according to package instructions. If using gluten-free noodles, be gentle, they can break more easily.
Pro Tip: Lay cooked noodles on parchment to prevent sticking.
3. Mix the Ricotta Layer
Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
In a 9x13 baking dish:
Spread a layer of meat sauce.
Add a layer of noodles.
Spread a layer of ricotta mixture.
Sprinkle mozzarella.
Repeat until the dish is full, ending with meat sauce + mozzarella on top.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375F (190C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Tips
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles (brown rice or lentil-based work great).
Double-check that your tomato paste and crushed tomatoes are gluten-free (some contain hidden thickeners).
Optional: Use thin-sliced zucchini or eggplant as a low-carb, GF noodle alternative.
What to Serve with Classic Lasagna
Pair your lasagna with:
A crisp Caesar salad
Garlic bread (use GF baguette if needed)
A glass of bold red wine
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Final Thoughts
The perfect lasagna is more than just a dish, it’s a tradition, a memory, a moment. This classic recipe brings all the flavor and warmth you crave, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or freezing leftovers for later. And with the gluten-free option, no one gets left out.
