Homemade Lasagna
This homemade lasagna recipe has been a family go to since before I was even born. It has the perfect combination of meats, flavors, and cheeses. You will never try another lasagna recipe again!
There’s a reason that lasagna is such a popular dish. It combines all those delicious Italian flavors into a layered cozy supper the whole family would enjoy!
Certain recipes instantly make you think of people that are known for making that dish. When people think of my family I would guess lasagna is what comes to mind. It truly is our go to family recipe. It’s what I make for pot lucks, for big family events, for Christmas Eve dinner, for company, or for anyone needing a meal!
This recipe is the perfect level up for lasagna without making it complicated. It isn’t just a bag of shredded mozzarella or a jar of marinara. It has tons of flavor from all the spices and layers. Yet it remains simple to make. It is simple, but it is super impressive and the recipe I get asked to share more than any other.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna
No Ricotta- I know I’m not the only one who doesn’t love ricotta. It’s what turns me off of other lasagna recipes. The cottage cheese is such a great replacement and very KID FRIENDLY!
Simple- Homemade lasagna intimidates new cooks. This recipe is very simple to make. Boil noodles, make a cheese mixture, grab some mozzarella, and cook your meat sauce. Just layer and you will impress your guests!!
Freezer Friendly- I use this meal as my go to for all people that need a meal taken to them. It’s easy to double to make for my family and another at the same time. It’s also a great one to put in the freezer and pull out later. Make it for a new mom to have in her stash or double and throw in the freezer for your family to pull out when you need a homemade meal quick.
Ingredients
A list of all ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna
Step 1: In a large skillet brown the ground beef and sausage, drain. Add in garlic, basil, salt, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer on low until you are ready to layer your lasagna.
Step 2: While the meat is browning get a pot of water on to bring to a boil. Salt your water and cook the lasagna noodles as the package directs. I usually cook 8 noodles, this gives me four noodles for the first layer and four for the second layer. If your pan is big cook 10 noodles. In a medium sized bowl combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, and pepper.
Step 3: Get out all four pieces of your layers. Noodles, cheese mixture, meat mixture, and mozzarella slices.
Step 4: In a 9×13 baking dish place half of your noodles down to create a solid layer. Spread 1/2 the cheese mixture onto the noodles. Do a layer of mozzarella cheese, this usually takes 6 pieces. Last add 1/2 of the meat mixture onto the cheese.
Step 5: Repeat these layers a second time. I do not top my lasagna with more cheese.
Step 6: Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the pieces to come out in a more solid form. If eaten immediately it will just be runnier.
Tips for Making Homemade Lasagna
- Different brand tomatoes can alter the salt level of this lasagna. I like to taste my meat mixture to be sure I don’t want to add any extra salt before assembling the lasagna.
- This can be assembled ahead of time and put into the fridge until ready to bake. If the lasagna is cold, when you want to bake it just cook it a bit longer or until the sides are bubbly.
- I make these as freezer meals for new moms a lot. You can just take it out and sit on the counter the morning you want to bake for it to start coming to room temperature. It may take 45 minutes to an hour to bake and get hot, but it won’t alter how delicious it is!
- If this makes a lot for your small family just add individual pieces to a food container and stick them in the freezer. We do this and pull them out for a quick microwave meal.
Lasagna
This classic lasagna recipe has been a family go to since before I was even born. It has the perfect combination of meats, flavors, and cheeses. You will never try another lasagna recipe again!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 tsp minced garlic or 1 clove
- 1 tbsp basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lb can crushed tomatoes
- 2 6 oz cans tomato paste
- lasagna noodles
- 3 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley flakes
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and sausage, drain. Add in garlic, basil, salt, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer on low until you are ready to layer your lasagna.
- While the meat is browning get a pot of water on to bring to a boil. Salt your water and cook the lasagna noodles as the package directs. I usually cook 8 noodles, this gives me 4 noodles for the first layer and 4 for the second. If your pan is big you might want to cook 10 noodles total. Drain noodles.
- In a medium sized bowl combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, and pepper.
- In a 9x13 baking dish place half of your noodles down to create a solid layer. Spread 1/2 the cheese mixture onto the noodles. Do a layer of mozzerella cheese, this usually takes 6 slices. Last add half the meat mixture onto the cheese. Repeat these layers one more time.
- Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Different brand tomatos can alter the salt level of this lasagna. I like to taste my meat mixture to be sure I don't want to add any extra salt before assembling the lasagna.
- This can be assembled ahead of time and put into the fridge until ready to bake. If the lasagna is cold when you want to bake it just cook it a bit longer, or until the sides are bubbly.
- I make these as freezer meals for new moms alot. You can just take it out and sit on the counter the morning you want to bake for it to start coming to room temperature. It may take 45 min to an hour to bake and get hot but it won't alter how delicious it is!
- If this makes alot for your small family just add individual pieces to a food container and stick them in the freezer. We do this and pull them out for a quick microwave meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Amount Per Serving: Calories: 476Total Fat: 27.5gCarbohydrates: 19.1gFiber: 1.3gProtein: 37.4g
