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 with Rich Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that brings layers of flavor and warmth to your dinner table. With its hearty combination of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Dive into this classic recipe that’s not only satisfying but also easy enough for any home cook to master.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meat lasagna recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for its bold flavors and straightforward preparation.

🎁 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 and Filling: Perfect for satisfying appetites.
  • Comfort Food Classic: A dish that feels like a warm hug.
  • Layered Goodness: Rich marinara and melty cheese in every bite.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Classic Meat Lasagna

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef. Stir in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. While the meat sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top.
  7. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and topping with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Always ensure your ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the meat mixture.
  • Letting the lasagna rest after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Easy Variations

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the cooking process even further.

What to Serve With It

  • A crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness of the lasagna.
  • Garlic bread for that perfect scoop-and-sop action.
  • A side of roasted vegetables for a colorful addition.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Recipe Card

Classic Meat Lasagna with Rich Marinara Sauce

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add marinara sauce to beef, stir in Italian seasoning, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, and seasoning in a bowl.
  6. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat.
  7. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheeses.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil if desired.

Notes: Allowing the dish to rest enhances slicing. Enjoy!

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