Easy Meat Lasagna

Easy Meat Lasagna is a classic comfort food dish that combines layers of rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, and melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal, this no-fuss lasagna delivers full flavor and satisfying texture every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A timeless favorite the whole family will enjoy
• Simple ingredients with straightforward steps
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
• Hearty and filling — a complete meal in one dish
• Leftovers taste even better the next day

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt.
6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add 3 noodles, then layer with ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the meat sauce, and ⅓ of the mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times.
7. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
• Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat
• Swap marinara with homemade tomato sauce for a richer taste
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free noodles

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• To freeze: Wrap cooled lasagna tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until heated through
• Add a splash of water or sauce when reheating to keep it moist

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

Yes, unless you’re using no-boil lasagna noodles, which can go in uncooked.

Can I freeze lasagna before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What kind of cheese is best for lasagna?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic choices for flavor and texture.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a common and lighter substitute.

How do I keep lasagna from getting watery?

Drain excess fat from the meat and avoid using too much sauce or wet ingredients.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.

How long should lasagna rest before cutting?

Let it rest for about 10–15 minutes so the layers set and slice cleanly.

Is it okay to skip the egg in the ricotta mixture?

You can skip it, though the egg helps bind the ricotta for better structure.

Can I make this recipe in a smaller dish?

Yes, just cut all ingredients in half for an 8×8-inch dish and adjust bake time slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Meat Lasagna is the ultimate go-to for cozy, satisfying dinners. With hearty layers of beef, cheese, and pasta, it’s everything you want in a comfort food classic—simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Serve it up with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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