How to Make Lasagna Step by Step

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Lasagna in the oven

Before we begin assembling our delicious homemade lasagna, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need. In Italy, a great lasagna Bolognese starts with quality ingredients, from fresh vegetables to flavorful seasonings.

Below, you'll find original Italian lasagna ingredients:

• Fresh lasagna sheets (no pre-cooking required) or Oven-ready dry Lasagne noodles
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 clove garlic
• Fresh parsley
• 500g-1000g (1.1 lbs - 2.2 lbs.) minced meat (beef and pork mix, or chichen for a healthier version)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100ml (3.4 oz) white wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 250ml (1 cup) ready-made Béchamel sauce
• Parmesan cheese (to taste)

How to make lasagna meat sauce

The heart of any lasagna Italian recipe is a rich and aromatic lasagna meat sauce. A well-prepared sauce adds depth of flavor and keeps the layers moist and delicious.

The key to a delicious lasagna meat sauce is a well-balanced soffritto made using fresh vegetables, high-quality minced meat, and the right seasonings that will make your lasagna taste just like it came from an authentic Italian restaurant.

Here's how to make lasagna meat sauce from scratch :

• Mince the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until homogenous.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add the minced mixture.
• Add minced meat and cook until browned.
• Pour in white wine and let it evaporate.
• Stir in tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
• Add oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and/or nutmeg for an authentic Italian flavor (optional).
• Let the sauce cook for 20-30 minutes until rich and flavorful.

How to Layer Lasagna

Wondering how to layer lasagna to achieve a delicious homemade meal? Proper layering ensures that each bite contains a perfect balance of lasagna meat sauce, pasta sheets, creamy Béchamel, and melted Parmesan cheese.

Here's how to layer lasagna like they do in Italy:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
• Grease a lasagna pan with olive oil.
• Start with a layer of lasagna sheets.
• Add a layer of the meat sauce.
• Drizzle Béchamel sauce in a "Z" shape, then spread evenly.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat the layers (pasta, meat sauce, Béchamel sauce, Parmesan cheese) until you have three layers.
• Finish with a generous amount of Parmesan on top.

Lasagna Oven Temp & Bake Time

Getting the lasagna oven temp and lasagna bake time just right is just as essential for a perfectly cooked lasagna meal with a golden, bubbly top.

Baking at the correct lasagna cooking temperature ensures that the layers meld together beautifully while keeping the pasta tender and the sauce rich. To achieve a perfectly golden brown top, bake your homemade lasagna as follows:

• Lasagna oven temp: 200°C (392°F)
• Lasagna bake time: 20-30 minutes

You'll know it's ready when the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.

Final Tips for the Perfect Lasagna

To make the best homemade lasagna, a few final tips can take your dish from good to perfect. From resting time to lasagna serving suggestions, these final tips will help you serve a delicious, restaurant quality lasagna for real lasagna lovers.

• Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.
• Serve with a fresh salad or a glass of Italian red wine for an authentic experience.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later!

Now that you know how to make lasagna step by step, give this recipe a try and enjoy a classic Italian lasagna original recipe in the comfort of your home. Don't forget to check out my YouTube Shorts video where I show exactly how to make this delicious lasagna meal!