Classic Lasagna with Marinara and Fresh Basil

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Classic Lasagna is the epitome of comfort food, with its layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese melding together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends, this easy lasagna recipe with marinara sauce brings everyone together for a warm and hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into a deliciously comforting dish. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

• Layered Perfection: Enjoy the satisfying combination of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when ready to serve.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients.
• Family Favorite: A dish that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

How to Make Classic Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
6. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles topped with marinara sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Top with fresh basil for garnish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use no-boil lasagna noodles for an even quicker prep time.
• Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a creamier texture, mix some mozzarella into the ricotta layer.

Easy Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a twist on the classic cheese layers.
• Add a layer of sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.

What to Serve With It

• A simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
• A side of roasted vegetables for a colorful addition to the meal.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Recipe Card