Irresistible Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe

There’s something about the aroma of a bubbling, cheesy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce that can instantly transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. Imagine layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese melded together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that promises warmth, love, and perhaps even a few happy tears from your dinner guests.

I remember the first time I made this delightful dish; my family was gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting the first slice. As I pulled the lasagna from the oven, the melted cheese stretched like a warm hug. The taste? Well, let’s just say it was a culinary symphony that brought everyone together—no forks were left behind!

I once prepared this lasagna for a family reunion, and you would have thought I’d won an Oscar judging by their reactions. Everyone raved about it—especially Uncle Joe, who claimed he hadn’t tasted lasagna this good since his last trip to Italy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles if you’re in a hurry; they save time without sacrificing texture.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best here; it gives flavor without overwhelming grease.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; make sure to chop it finely for even cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key; it infuses your sauce with aromatic goodness.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a smooth sauce; add some diced ones for texture.

• Tomato Paste: A small amount enhances depth of flavor in your meat sauce.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and dreamy, ricotta adds richness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates that perfect gooey layer on top—essential!

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan gives your lasagna an extra touch of sophistication.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates your sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in your dish.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté the vegetables and adds healthy fats to your meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop onions and garlic finely so they mix well into the meat sauce.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic until they’re soft and aromatic—about 3-4 minutes should do it.

Add Ground Beef: Toss in lean ground beef to brown completely. Stir occasionally until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Create the Meat Sauce: Pour in canned tomatoes along with tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until flavors mingle beautifully.

Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and some grated Parmesan. This creamy blend will add layers of flavor.

Layer Your Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread some meat sauce on the bottom, then layer noodles, cheese mixture, more sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until ingredients are used up.

Bake Until Golden: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes before removing foil to cook an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Now you can let it cool slightly before slicing into those gooey layers of bliss!

As you dig into your Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce, prepare yourself for oohs and ahhs from everyone at your table—they’ll be begging for seconds! Enjoy each bite filled with laughter and joy as you share not just food but memories too!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat and then layering the noodles with sauce and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with cheese blends for different flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

There was a family gathering where I served my Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and it disappeared faster than my dog during a squirrel chase! Everyone raved about how comforting and delicious it was.

FAQ

Can I make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese works as an excellent ricotta substitute without compromising texture.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Use less sauce or drain excess liquid from vegetables before layering to avoid sogginess.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a comforting Italian dish that layers tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe brings warmth and joy to any table. The delightful combination of flavors will leave your guests asking for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil preferred)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning; simmer on low for 20 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan.
6. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg