Layered, Cheesy Italian Comfort
This Classic Beef Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food recipe—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, tender pasta layers, and plenty of melty cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep for busy weeks, this easy homemade lasagna delivers bold Italian-inspired flavor without complicated steps. The savory beef sauce simmers to perfection while the cheesy layers bake into bubbly goodness. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress your family at the dinner table. Once you master this layered lasagna recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
📝 Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Aluminum foil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant 😊
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer 3 noodles, spread ricotta mixture, add meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella.
Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella) until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top 🧀✨
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes cleaner slices.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 2 months.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
- Cheese Upgrade: Mix shredded provolone into the mozzarella for deeper flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Spinach Lasagna: Add sautéed spinach to the ricotta layer.
- Extra Meaty: Add Italian sausage (beef-based) for bold flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with thin zucchini slices.
- Creamy Version: Add a thin layer of béchamel sauce for richness.
❓ FAQ
Can I use oven-ready noodles?
Yes! Just add a little extra sauce to ensure they soften properly.
Why is my lasagna watery?
Too much sauce or not letting it rest after baking can cause excess moisture.
What pairs well with lasagna?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual slices.