Description
A hearty classic beef lasagna with layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Cook noodles (if using regular): Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet.
- Mix the ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 cups mozzarella, and parsley.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then ricotta mixture, then meat sauce. Repeat layers until used up. Finish with sauce and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray). Bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15–20 minutes more until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest & serve: Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling.
- Lasagna can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
- Let it rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: classic beef lasagna, cheesy ricotta lasagna, easy lasagna dinner, meat sauce lasagna, make ahead lasagna, freezer friendly lasagna