Classic Meat Lasagna Recipe | Layers of Rich Flavor & Cheese

This Meat Lasagna Recipe is a hearty, comforting classic layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite. The savory combination of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and herbs creates a satisfying depth, while the layers of pasta hold everything together beautifully. Whether made for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this homemade lasagna is guaranteed to impress with its delicious taste and comforting aroma straight from the oven.

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Ingredients Of Meat Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna noodles
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Tomato paste
Ricotta cheese
Egg
Salt
Black pepper

Ground beef
Onion (chopped)
Tomato sauce
Crushed tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil (optional)

Why You Will Love This Meat Lasagna Recipe

This meat lasagna is the perfect comfort food with layers of tender noodles, rich tomato meat sauce, and melted cheese. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and ideal for feeding a crowd. The aroma fills your kitchen while baking, making it a family favorite for dinner nights or special gatherings. Every bite offers that perfect mix of savory, cheesy goodness.

Preparation Process Of Meat Lasagna Recipe

Cook the noodles until al dente, then prepare a flavorful sauce by sautéing onion and garlic with ground beef. Add tomato sauce, paste, and seasonings to simmer. Mix ricotta with egg and Parmesan. Layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture repeatedly. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden. Rest before slicing for neat layers.

Step By Step Instructions

Cook the noodles
Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the remaining layers for assembly.

Make the meat sauce
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, crushed tomatoes, and seasoning; let it simmer gently.

Prepare cheese mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy blend gives structure and richness to the layered filling.

Assemble the lasagna
Spread meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, then layer noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce repeatedly. Finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Bake and rest
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve?

Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
Pair with a fresh green salad
Top with extra Parmesan or basil
Serve alongside roasted vegetables
Add a glass of red wine for elegance

Tips & Variations

Use part ground sausage for richer flavor.

Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta.

Use fresh pasta sheets for a softer texture.

Add spinach or zucchini for a veggie twist.

Make ahead and freeze before baking.

Sprinkle extra mozzarella for cheesier top

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg

Recipe Card

Meat Lasagna Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Lasagna Recipe

Servings

5-6 people

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

This Meat Lasagna Recipe combines tender pasta layers, rich tomato meat sauce, and three kinds of cheese for an irresistible comfort dish. Every layer melts perfectly, creating a hearty, flavorful, and cheesy experience. It’s great for family dinners or meal prep, offering that homemade Italian goodness everyone loves. The blend of savory beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella delivers an unforgettable taste. Serve it fresh from the oven for a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Lasagna noodles
Ground beef
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Egg
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Cook the noodles
Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the remaining layers for assembly.
Make the meat sauce
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, paste, crushed tomatoes, and seasoning; let it simmer gently.
Prepare cheese mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy blend gives structure and richness to the layered filling.
Assemble the lasagna
Spread meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, then layer noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce repeatedly. Finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake and rest
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Video

Notes

Allow the lasagna to cool before slicing for clean portions.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.

FAQs

Yes, but add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook properly in the oven.

Drain excess fat from meat and avoid overly thin sauce to maintain firm layers.

Absolutely, assemble it a day before baking and refrigerate covered.

Cottage cheese or mascarpone both work well as creamy alternatives.

Conclusion

This Meat Lasagna Recipe is a timeless favorite for good reason. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and rich cheese, it delivers pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and even better the next day. Serve it warm for a hearty, satisfying meal that captures the essence of home-cooked Italian flavor.