If you are craving something creamy and comforting, this is for you.
Nothing beats a big pan of Classic Meat Lasagna on a cold night.
It is the perfect meal to bring everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Make This Classic Meat Lasagna Again
This recipe is a staple for a reason. It is reliable and deeply satisfying every single time.
You get layers of savory beef and three types of cheese. It is the ultimate winter comfort food for your family.
It also makes your house smell amazing while it bakes.
How This Comes Together
Making a great lasagna is all about the layers. You will brown the beef and simmer the sauce first.
Then, you mix the cheeses and start the assembly. It is simple and stress-free for any home cook.
What You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple pantry staples you likely have already.
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic; drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce into the meat mixture and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half the parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Layer with 3-4 noodles, 1/3 of ricotta mixture, 1/3 of mozzarella, and 1 cup sauce.
- Repeat layers twice more, finishing with mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve It
Serve a thick slice while it is still hot. Pair it with a crispy garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
A simple green salad helps balance the richness. This is perfect for a casual Sunday family dinner.
Leftovers & Storage
This dish actually tastes better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
You can also freeze individual slices for easy future lunches. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until the center is hot.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip the 15-minute rest time before slicing.
- Avoid overcooking the noodles in the water to prevent mushiness.
- Use full-fat ricotta for the best and creamiest texture.
- You can prep the meat sauce a day early to save time.
- This is a great holiday meal for large groups.
- Add extra cheese on top for a beautiful golden crust.
- Always use fresh garlic for the best savory flavor.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Add fresh spinach to the ricotta for extra greens.
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef for an extra kick of flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for depth.
Quick Questions
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil noodles. Just add an extra half-cup of water to the sauce first.
Can I freeze this before baking?
This recipe freezes perfectly for three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you bake it.
Why is my lasagna watery?
Make sure to drain the meat and noodles very well. Let the lasagna rest so the juices set.
I hope your family loves this Classic Meat Lasagna as much as mine does. It is the ultimate way to end a busy week. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
— Ethan

Classic Meat Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce into the meat mixture and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer with 3-4 noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of meat sauce.
- Repeat layers twice more, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.






