Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce and Cheese

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Classic lasagna with meat sauce and cheese is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and joy to family dinners. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, this hearty dish is not only satisfying but also a great way to gather loved ones around the table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this easy classic lasagna recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic lasagna is perfect for its comforting flavors and easy preparation. It’s a dish that everyone in the family can enjoy, and it’s great for leftovers, too.

• Hearty and Satisfying: Layers of pasta, meat, and cheese create a filling meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for an easy dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your family’s tastes.
• Feeding a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night in.

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Classic Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella cheese, and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers once more, ending with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let the lasagna cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure to cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy when baked.
• Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix some mozzarella cheese into the ricotta mixture.

Easy Variations

• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Use different cheeses such as provolone or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Try adding a layer of pesto between the noodles for an herby twist.

What to Serve With It

• A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables for a healthy side.
• A glass of red wine to complement the flavors of the lasagna.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Classic lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Card