Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat Sauce

If you are craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you. It is the ultimate meal for a cold night. This classic Italian lasagna delivers big flavors without the stress.

It is thick, cheesy, and packed with a hearty meat sauce. You do not need to be a chef to master this. It works every single time for your family.

Why You’ll Make This Again

This recipe is a staple because it is incredibly reliable. It is the perfect comfort food for those chilly Winter evenings. Your kitchen will smell amazing while the sauce simmers.

It feeds a crowd and makes everyone happy. You get eight generous servings from one single pan. It is a family-friendly winner that kids always love. You will find yourself making this on repeat.

How This Comes Together

The process is straightforward and very rewarding. You start by making a rich, savory meat sauce. While that simmers, you mix the creamy cheese filling. Layering is easy once you have your components ready. Even beginners can achieve professional-looking results here.

What You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely in your pantry already. Use high-quality cheese for the best melty texture.

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes on low heat.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
7. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Layer noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
12. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to ensure clean slices.

How to Serve It

Serve this hot for the most satisfying experience. It looks beautiful when sliced into clean, thick squares. Pair it with a simple green salad for balance. Garlic bread is also a classic choice for dipping. This is great for casual hosting or Sunday dinner.

Leftovers & Storage

This lasagna keeps perfectly in the fridge for four days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze individual slices for easy future lunches. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly. It actually tastes even better the next day.

Make It Even Better (PRO TIPS)

• Do not skip the 15-minute resting period after baking.
• Avoid overcooking the noodles before layering them in the dish.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Make the meat sauce a day early to save time.
• This is the perfect dish for a cozy Winter gathering.
• Top with extra fresh parsley for a bright, professional finish.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Add spinach to the ricotta for a hidden veggie boost.
• Use gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary needs easily.
• Swap the pork for spicy sausage to add a kick.

Quick Questions

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can use no-boil noodles to save time. Just ensure your sauce is slightly thinner to help them cook. They will absorb the moisture during the baking process.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain your meat sauce well before you start layering. Also, make sure to drain the cooked noodles thoroughly. Letting it rest after baking also helps set the layers.

I hope you love this cozy meal as much as I do. It is truly a classic for a reason. Grab your apron and get cooking!

— Ethan

Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 12 lasagna noodle s
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large eg g
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp sal t
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes on low heat.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
7. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Layer noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
12. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to ensure clean slices.