Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe

Classic lasagna with meat sauce is a comforting, homemade dish layered with rich, savory flavors. This recipe features a hearty meat sauce, a creamy ricotta mixture, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, all baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful – A slow-simmered meat sauce infused with Italian herbs gives this lasagna its deep, savory taste.
• Perfectly Layered – Each bite combines tender noodles, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready for an easy meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish – Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
• Customizable – Easily adapt with different meats, cheeses, or even a vegetarian version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Other Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Make the Meat Sauce – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, then sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Simmer the sauce for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley until well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
   • Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
   • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and more meat sauce.
   • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve – Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

• Vegetarian Version – Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a meat-free option.
• Extra Cheesy Lasagna – Add an extra layer of provolone or fontina cheese for a richer, gooier texture.
• Spicy Lasagna – Increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Lighter Option – Substitute ground turkey for beef and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce calories.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent lasagna from being too watery?

Be sure to drain excess fat from the meat, simmer the sauce until thickened, and avoid overcooking the noodles.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work well, but you may need to add a little extra liquid to the sauce to ensure they cook properly.

What can I serve with lasagna?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, and roasted vegetables make great side dishes.

How do I make lasagna more flavorful?

Using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, as well as freshly grated Parmesan and fresh herbs, enhances the flavor.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a slightly different texture.

How do I prevent lasagna from falling apart when slicing?

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you will need to cook them down longer to achieve the right consistency.

What’s the best way to freeze lasagna?

Freeze individual slices or the entire dish wrapped tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I make this lasagna without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the egg in the ricotta mixture, but it may not hold together as well.

Conclusion

Classic lasagna with meat sauce is a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich, meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you make it fresh, prepare it ahead, or freeze for later, this lasagna is a guaranteed family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying and delicious meal.