Our Favourite Lasagne Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Lasagne is more than just a meal — it's a dish that brings families together, evokes memories, and satisfies the soul. Whether you're making it for a Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just craving something hearty and homemade, our favourite lasagne recipe delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and layers of deliciousness every single time.

In this article, we’ll share our go-to homemade lasagne recipe, complete with tips, variations, and answers to your most frequently asked questions. If you’re searching for the best lasagne recipe, you’ve landed in the right place!

Why This Is Our Favourite Lasagne Recipe

There are countless lasagne recipes out there — from meat-heavy versions to vegetarian spins, quick skillet versions to no-boil noodle hacks. But this one stands out for a few key reasons:

Classic Italian flavor with a homemade meat sauce and béchamel
Layers of texture: rich, meaty, creamy, and cheesy
Make-ahead friendly — perfect for prepping before a party or freezing for later
Crowd-pleaser: loved by kids and adults alike

This is the lasagne we come back to again and again — it’s our family favorite, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

Ingredients for Our Favourite Lasagne

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, comforting dish.

For the Meat Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
500g (1 lb) ground beef or a beef/pork mix
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
A pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
500ml (2 cups) milk, warmed
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Other:

250g (9 oz) lasagne sheets (fresh or no-boil)
200g (2 cups) grated mozzarella cheese
50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
Let simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened and rich in flavor.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Simmer until thick and smooth — about 5 minutes.

3. Assemble the Lasagne

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a baking dish, spread a spoonful of meat sauce to prevent sticking.
Layer lasagne sheets, meat sauce, béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagne

Don’t skip the resting time after baking — it helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Use quality cheese for the best melt and flavor. A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is ideal.
Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Try a meatless version by swapping the meat sauce with a rich marinara or roasted vegetable sauce.

Common Lasagne Questions

❓ Can I make lasagne ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready — just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

❓ Can I freeze lasagne?

Yes! Lasagne freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 60–75 minutes, or thaw overnight and bake as normal.

❓ What if I don’t have béchamel sauce?

Some people prefer ricotta or cottage cheese mixtures instead. While béchamel adds creaminess and authentic flavor, you can substitute with:

2 cups ricotta + 1 egg + grated Parmesan + seasoning

Lasagne Variations to Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are some popular twists on the traditional recipe:

Vegetarian Lasagne: Use roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and spinach.
White Lasagne: Swap the tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo or mushroom sauce.
Lasagne Roll-Ups: Roll the filling in individual pasta sheets for a fun presentation.
Gluten-Free Lasagne: Use gluten-free noodles or thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.

Why Homemade Lasagne Is Worth It

Yes, making lasagne from scratch takes a little time — but the payoff is massive. When the bubbling dish comes out of the oven and the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know it was worth every second. It’s the kind of meal that makes people feel at home, no matter where they are.

Plus, homemade lasagne is healthier than most store-bought versions, as you control the ingredients, seasonings, and quality.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this is our favourite lasagne recipe — it’s timeless, flexible, and always hits the spot. Whether you're feeding a large group, freezing portions for later, or indulging in comfort food, this lasagne recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen too.

So the next time you’re looking for the best homemade lasagne, bookmark this recipe, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!