The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Classic Meat Lasagna with Rich Marinara Sauce

Classic Meat Lasagna with Rich Marinara Sauce

Classic meat lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. With layers of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, the rich marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor that will have everyone craving seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic meat lasagna recipe combines simplicity with robust flavors, making it a go-to for any home cook. It’s hearty, delicious, and sure to please a crowd.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Hearty Layers: Enjoy multiple layers of pasta, meat, and cheese.
  • Rich Flavor: A homemade marinara sauce that enhances every bite.
  • Family-Friendly: Perfect for dinner gatherings and leftovers.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite ingredients.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare it in advance for an easy meal.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

How to Make Classic Meat 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. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  7. Add a third of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Make sure to use enough sauce to prevent the lasagna from drying out.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking; this helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing.
  • For extra flavor, add spices like oregano or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Easy Variations

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers for added nutrition.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time on cooking.

What to Serve With It

  • A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
  • Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping in sauce.
  • Roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Card

Classic Meat Lasagna with Rich Marinara Sauce
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  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. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  7. Add a third of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes: For extra flavor, feel free to add spices to the meat sauce or mix in vegetables for a twist!

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top