Description
This easy meat lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this classic Italian comfort dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Noodles
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ricotta Filling
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well incorporated to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add a layer of meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat this layering once more with noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Finish by placing the last 3 noodles on top, covering them with remaining meat sauce, the rest of the mozzarella, and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For an easier preparation, use no-boil lasagna noodles but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Ground pork can be mixed with beef for a richer meat sauce flavor.
- Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
