If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish to warm your soul and delight your taste buds, this Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe is pure magic. It balances rich, savory layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings everyone together with its satisfying flavors and simple, straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that work harmoniously to build that classic Italian flavor and texture you love. From the savory ground beef that infuses the sauce with depth, to the creamy ricotta that adds luscious richness, each ingredient is essential for the perfect balance.
- 9 dry lasagna noodles: The base of your layers, perfectly tender when cooked and ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to boil the noodles without sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water to enhance flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef and aromatics to develop a rich, caramelized base.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty core to your sauce, making this dish truly satisfying.
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a fragrant kick that’s impossible to resist.
- 3 cups tomato sauce: The luscious, tangy canvas that holds the lasagna together.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer, more robust sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the flavors in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the sauce with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it provides the perfect soft, cheesy layer.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, stringy deliciousness throughout.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided: Sprinkles a sharp, salty edge that elevates every bite.
- 1 egg, beaten: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth, velvety texture.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal lift.
How to Make Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your dry lasagna noodles, cooking them until al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and lay the noodles flat on a greased baking sheet so they don’t clump together as they cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. This step infuses the sauce with rich, savory flavor by caramelizing the beef and letting all those delicious aromas develop.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Once the beef is browned, stir in the 3 cups of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley for that beautiful herbaceous hint. Simmer this sauce gently for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together into a luscious, thick sauce that will soak beautifully into the noodles.
Step 4: Mix Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for freshness. Mix well until everything is blended into a creamy, smooth mixture. This ricotta layer is what makes the lasagna irresistibly creamy and decadent.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, start layering your lasagna. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom, then arrange 3 noodles on top. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat this layering process twice more, finishing with the remaining sauce and sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to serve.
How to Serve Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top is a simple but beautiful way to add color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich flavors wonderfully. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving is also a crowd-pleaser, adding a burst of sharp umami with every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic bread make perfect companions to this hearty lasagna. These sides provide contrast—freshness and a bit of crunch—balancing the richness of the pasta and cheese layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve individual slices on warmed plates with a drizzle of good olive oil or a splash of balsamic reduction for acidity. You can also add a small bowl of marinara for dipping. Cut the lasagna into neat, uniform squares to impress guests with your presentation skills—it really elevates this homestyle classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe is a blessing for busy days. Store any cooled, uneaten portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next-meal taste even better.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep solution or a comforting swap for a busy weeknight.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave portions on moderate power, covering loosely to avoid drying out the cheese layers—just be sure to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different meats in this Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of sausage and beef for a twist in flavor. Each option brings its own character to the sauce.
Do I need to boil the noodles before assembling?
Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they become perfectly tender in the oven without turning mushy. If you use no-boil noodles, adjust the sauce consistency slightly to maintain moisture.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. This creates a hearty, satisfying vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
How long can I refrigerate leftover lasagna?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 4 days for the best taste and food safety. After that, it’s better to freeze if you want to keep it longer.
What type of cheese is best for the topping?
A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan provides the best melt and flavor profile. Mozzarella gives that gooey stretch, while Parmesan adds savory sharpness and helps develop a golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s comforting, approachable, and captures everything wonderful about Italian cooking in one dish. Whether for a cozy family dinner or to wow your friends, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your favorites, too!
Print
Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy meat lasagna recipe layers tender noodles with a savory ground beef tomato sauce and creamy ricotta cheese blend, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a classic Italian comfort dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 9 dry lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 dry lasagna noodles along with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Boil the noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, separated so they don’t stick.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent. Stir in 3 cups tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine 2 cups ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and the beaten egg. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble and Bake Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Place a layer of cooked noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (reserve the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for topping). Repeat layering two more times ending with noodles topped with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Boil noodles just until al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking to set, making serving easier.
- For a richer flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley, use 1 tablespoon dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
