Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Lasagna with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, loved for its rich layers of tender pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan. This classic Italian-American favorite brings warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of slow-simmered meat sauce and perfectly baked cheese layers creates a hearty meal that feels both homey and indulgent. Whether served at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or special occasions, this lasagna always stands out as a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this lasagna because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures—rich, meaty, cheesy, and comforting. The slow-cooked meat sauce makes the dish incredibly flavorful, while the layers of cheese add creaminess that ties everything together. It’s one of those meals that feels rewarding both to prepare and to serve.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a complete, hearty meal in one dish.
• Perfect for feeding a family or serving at gatherings.
• Can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.
• It’s customizable and adaptable to many variations.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 8
• Approximate Calories per Serving: 480–550
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth

For the Cheese Filling

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Additional Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the meat sauce by browning meat, sautéing onions and garlic, and simmering tomatoes and seasonings.
2. Mix ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
3. Boil lasagna noodles if using regular pasta.
4. Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat.
5. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let rest before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
4. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar.
6. Pour in water or broth and stir well.
7. Simmer sauce for 20–25 minutes to deepen flavor.
8. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.
9. If using regular lasagna noodles, boil according to package directions and drain.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
12. Add the first layer of noodles.
13. Spread ricotta mixture over the noodles.
14. Sprinkle mozzarella over ricotta.
15. Spoon meat sauce over cheese.
16. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce.
17. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped heavily with meat sauce and mozzarella.
18. Cover baking dish with foil (not touching cheese).
19. Bake for 30 minutes covered.
20. Remove foil and bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
21. Let the lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness.
• Great alongside a glass of red wine like Merlot or Chianti.

Recipe Tips

• Allow resting time to prevent messy slices.
• Use a mix of beef and sausage for deeper flavor.
• Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for richness.
• For extra creaminess, add a thin layer of béchamel sauce.
• Use whole-milk mozzarella for better melt and stretch.

Variations

Vegetable Lasagna

Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat.

White Chicken Lasagna

Replace meat sauce with a creamy Alfredo-style sauce and shredded chicken.

Extra-Cheesy Lasagna

Add provolone or fontina cheese to boost creaminess.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced zucchini.

Spicy Lasagna

Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze fully assembled unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months.
• Freeze baked lasagna for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from frozen: thaw overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot or saucepan
• Skillet for browning meat
• Mixing bowls
• Foil
• Spatula and ladle

Conclusion

Lasagna with Meat Sauce is a timeless classic that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to any table. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese, this dish is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility, make-ahead option, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a staple recipe every home cook should master. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as reheated leftovers, this lasagna delivers delicious comfort in every bite.