If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that makes any gathering feel like a special occasion, this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Layered with rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s a beautiful medley of textures and flavors baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this dish delivers satisfying warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the tender noodles that hold everything together to the fresh herbs that brighten the sauce, every component is essential.
- 9 lasagna noodles: Choose oven-ready for ease or traditional for that classic bite and to absorb all the sauce flavors.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness without excessive fat.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers fragrant depth and a subtle kick.
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes: Offers natural sweetness and texture for the sauce.
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no added sugar): Makes the sauce smooth and luscious without overpowering sweetness.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: Imparts classic Italian herbaceousness and warmth.
- 2 tsp dried basil: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery note that complements tomato beautifully.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Gives creamy richness and gentle tang for the filling.
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden crust.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and umami in both layers and topping.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital seasonings to bring everything together harmoniously.
How to Make Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your lasagna is assembled. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium heat with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking these aromatics together creates a savory flavor base. Be sure to drain off any excess fat so your sauce isn’t greasy but still rich.
Step 2: Simmering the Sauce
Add the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and basil to the skillet. Break up the tomatoes with your spoon to release their juices, then let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This cooking time helps the herbs infuse the sauce and the flavors meld into a delicious, thickened meat sauce that will soak beautifully into the noodles.
Step 3: Mixing the Ricotta Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese with an egg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some of the freshly grated Parmesan in a bowl. This mixture is what adds that creamy, slightly tangy layer between the noodles and the sauce, creating every bit of lasagna’s signature luscious texture.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers
Begin assembling your lasagna in a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then place a layer of noodles on top, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers, alternating noodles, cheese, and sauce, building your lasagna like a savory tower until you run out of ingredients. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella on top to create a gooey, golden crust once baked.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and the filling to set. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until you see the cheese bubbling and turning a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting so the layers settle and your slices hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley adds a vibrant, herby freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, cheesy layers. You can also serve with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan at the table for those who want an added savory kick.
Side Dishes
A Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete, like a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and olive oil. Crunchy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser too, perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual portions by baking your assembled layers in small ramekins. This makes for an elegant presentation if you’re entertaining and allows everyone to have their own perfectly portioned, melty masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making your second serving even better than the first.
Freezing
You can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. If freezing pre-baked, wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months. If freezing leftovers, portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve that crispy top layer. Microwave reheats well too, but you’ll miss out on the bubbly golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles save time and still absorb the sauce beautifully, resulting in tender layers without the extra step of boiling beforehand.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery lasagna?
Draining excess fat from the cooked meat and simmering the sauce until thickened helps. Also, avoid overly watery ricotta and don’t add too much extra liquid during assembly.
Can I substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef?
Yes, ground turkey will lighten the dish while sausage adds extra flavor. Just ensure any substitute is fully cooked before layering.
Is there a trick to getting perfectly even layers?
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread each layer evenly will help. Take your time assembling to keep each layer distinct and beautiful.
How long does it take to bake this lasagna?
The covered baking time is 25 minutes followed by 15 minutes uncovered for a total of 40 minutes. This ensures the cheese is melted and golden while the inside is thoroughly heated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing a Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe. The layers of rich, comforting flavors, the bubbling cheese, and the satisfying texture make it a timeless crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious moment of this beloved Italian classic!
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
Classic lasagna with a rich meat sauce layered between tender noodles, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. A comforting Italian favorite perfect for family dinners.
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 egg
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the lasagna once assembled.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked, making sure to break up the meat evenly. Then, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Stir in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one egg, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy, which will add richness and help bind the layers.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese on top has a beautiful golden color.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set for neat serving.
Notes
- Use oven-ready noodles for a shortcut or traditional noodles boiled until al dente for a classic texture.
- Drain excess fat from cooked beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add an egg to the ricotta mixture to help it set during baking.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps maintain its shape.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
