If you’re longing for a hearty, comforting Italian classic that warms the soul, this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella blend together perfectly to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers all the cozy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe shine. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory ground beef that forms the heart of the sauce to the delicate blend of cheeses that add creamy texture and indulgent flavor.
- Lasagna noodles (9): Choose oven-ready for convenience or traditional noodles boiled al dente for the perfect tender layers.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Browning it well adds deep, meaty flavor without excess grease.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and a savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with fragrant, aromatic depth.
- Whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz canned): Crushed to create a rich, chunky sauce base with natural sweetness.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz, no added sugar): Balances acidity and blends all the flavors seamlessly.
- Dried oregano (2 tsp): Brings classic Italian herbaceous notes to the sauce.
- Dried basil (2 tsp): Adds a hint of sweetness and freshness that brightens every bite.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Creates creamy, luscious layers that contrast beautifully with the meat sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts perfectly, offering gooey, stringy goodness on every slice.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup freshly grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly ready for baking your layered masterpiece right when your ingredients come together.
Step 2: Cook the meat sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. As the meat cooks, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy but still rich in flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the tomato sauce
Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil into the skillet with the meat. Let this simmer gently for 20 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the ricotta cheese mixture
In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with an egg, a pinch of salt, pepper, and some freshly grated Parmesan. This creamy, seasoned mixture will add incredible richness and a smooth texture to your lasagna layers.
Step 5: Assemble the lasagna
In a baking dish, spread a generous layer of the savory meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Next, add a layer of noodles followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture and a scatter of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these ingredients in layers until everything is used up, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Cover your assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheeses to melt. Then remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and serve
After baking, let your lasagna cool slightly to set the layers before slicing. This crucial step helps you get perfect, sturdy slices that look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a pop of bright color and herbaceous freshness that complements the richness of the lasagna wonderfully. You can even add an extra dash of Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe alongside crisp, simple greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad to balance the rich, hearty main dish. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette make perfect companions for soaking up every delicious bite of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for single servings. You can also use colorful plates and fresh herbs scattered artistically around each slice to elevate your presentation and make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a wonderful next-day meal with even more developed flavors.
Freezing
This Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze individual portions or the entire dish, wrapped well with foil and plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and keep the cheese melty and moist, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or a mix of meats can be used for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Do I have to use oven-ready noodles?
Not at all. Traditional lasagna noodles boiled al dente work great and sometimes offer a better texture. Just be sure to cook them properly to avoid a chewy final dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils, and adapting the sauce to maintain richness. It won’t be the Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe anymore, but a delicious alternative nonetheless!
Is it necessary to let the lasagna cool before slicing?
Yes, letting it rest helps the layers set and makes slicing neater. Cutting too soon can make the lasagna fall apart and lose its beautiful structure.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?
Drain excess fat from your cooked meat, simmer the sauce to thicken, and avoid over-soaking noodles. Also, don’t skip the resting step after baking, as it helps the moisture distribute evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s been a beloved dish for generations. So don’t hesitate — gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious, soul-satisfying meal. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting Italian dish featuring layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef in a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melty mozzarella topped with Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this recipe yields a deliciously baked lasagna with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Lasagna
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or traditional)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce lean.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one egg, salt, pepper, and half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layering steps until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps the lasagna cook through evenly and keeps it moist.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Using oven-ready noodles saves time as they don’t need to be boiled before assembling.
- Drain excess fat after browning the meat to reduce greasiness.
- Letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when serving.
- You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- For a richer flavor, consider mixing a little grated Parmesan into the meat sauce.
