Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Cheese

🔥 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 with meat sauce and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. With layers of rich, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic lasagna is not just delicious; it’s also straightforward to make. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and again:

• Comforting Layers: The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese creates a warm, satisfying meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance and baking later.
• Family Favorite: A dish that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different meats or veggies.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

How to Make Classic Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a third of the meat sauce.
9. Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• For a deeper flavor, let the meat sauce simmer longer before layering.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a more complex cheese flavor.
• Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish.

Easy Variations

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.
• Try a white sauce instead of marinara for a creamy variation.

What to Serve With It

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
• Roasted vegetables for a hearty side.
• A light soup, like minestrone, to start 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 any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Card