If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table, this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe is just what you need. It’s a rich, layered masterpiece combining tender noodles, a savory meat sauce bubbling with herbs, and creamy cheese all baked to golden perfection. This dish perfectly balances flavors and textures into every bite, making it a cherished family favorite and an ideal option for sharing joy and warmth through food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe is found in its straightforward and essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build that iconic lasagna flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic herbs and luscious cheeses, every component plays a vital role in creating this culinary classic.
- 9 lasagna noodles: Oven-ready or traditional, these provide the perfect tender layers to hold the sauce and cheese together.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor without excess fat, making the meat sauce deeply satisfying.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness that complements the tomato base beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant kick that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: The tomato’s natural acidity brightens the sauce and keeps it wonderfully fresh.
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no added sugar): Adds smoothness and richness without overpowering sweetness.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb that lends an earthy note essential in Italian cooking.
- 2 tsp dried basil: Boosts the herbaceous depth and aroma in the sauce.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Moistens the layers with creamy, mild tang that balances the robust meat sauce.
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheese pull and golden top.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it adds complexity and a lovely finish to the layers.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cook the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Next, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat alongside your chopped onions and minced garlic. This step builds the flavor foundation for your sauce, infusing it with savory richness and wonderful aromatics. Remember to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Once the beef mixture is ready, stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Let this simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld into a thick, hearty sauce. This slow simmering is the key to developing that deep, authentic taste that makes this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce is simmering, mix together the ricotta cheese with an egg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some freshly grated Parmesan. The egg acts as a binder to give the ricotta layer a smooth, creamy texture, while the Parmesan adds a savory boost—this mix is what makes every layer in the lasagna sing with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading a generous layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish; this prevents sticking and adds a juicy base. Next, arrange the noodles over the sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkling of mozzarella. Continue layering like this, repeating until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect bubbly, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil to keep moisture in as it bakes. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes before removing the foil to allow the top layer of cheese to brown beautifully. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and golden on top. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool down before slicing to help it set and hold its layers neatly.
How to Serve Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or a sprinkle of parsley add a pop of bright green color and fresh flavor, making your Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe even more inviting. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a scattering of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in a simple vinaigrette, garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, comforting meal. Choosing vibrant, fresh sides balances the richness with refreshing textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your lasagna in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes, turning this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe into charming personal servings. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass baking dish lets everyone admire those beautiful, cheesy layers before digging in, adding a visual wow factor to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is fantastic the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for a super convenient and delicious lunch or dinner option when you need something ready to go.
Freezing
This Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a comforting meal anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver and work perfectly here. Just be sure there’s enough sauce to soften them during baking so they reach that tender, perfect texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. This will give you a similarly hearty texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free.
Can I prepare the Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just add about 10 extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best cheese combination for lasagna?
Mozzarella and ricotta are classic staples for a creamy texture, but adding Parmesan adds a lovely sharpness. For extra richness, some recipes include a bit of fontina or provolone, but sticking with these three cheeses keeps it authentic and delicious.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?
Properly draining your ground beef and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken before layering helps reduce excess moisture. Also, letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and prevents sogginess when slicing.
Final Thoughts
Making this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of home cooking and good company. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I truly believe this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the joyful layers of flavor—it’s a meal you won’t forget.
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-American
Description
This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a hearty, comforting Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella combine to create a rich and flavorful casserole baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 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, divided
- 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 chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce lean and flavorful.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to the cooked meat mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning and a smooth texture.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Next, arrange lasagna noodles in a single layer, followed by a spread of the ricotta cheese mixture, and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top for a deliciously bubbly crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the lasagna to cook through and the flavors to marry.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing and serving, which helps it set for clean, neat portions.
Notes
- Use oven-ready noodles for a quicker prep; traditional noodles require boiling before assembling.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking makes slicing easier and prevents it from falling apart.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
