Description
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich and hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey melted mozzarella make this an irresistible Italian favorite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until well combined.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in 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 mozzarella cheese and more meat sauce.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
-
Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- To prevent noodles from sticking, toss them with a little olive oil after cooking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian