A timeless, no-fuss comfort food that belongs in your weekly dinner rotation.
🍽️ Recipe Overview
- Yield: 8 servings
- Skill Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Dinner, Main
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (varies by cheese & sauce used)
🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose
Meat Sauce
-
1 lb ground beef
Rich and savory protein base for the meat sauce. -
1 small onion, diced
Adds sweetness and depth. -
2 cloves garlic, minced
Essential for authentic flavor. -
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Shortcut to a flavorful red sauce. Use your favorite brand. -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Herb blend for aroma and classic taste. -
Salt and pepper, to taste
Balances and enhances the flavor.
Ricotta Layer
-
1½ cups ricotta cheese
Creamy, rich, and mild — forms the signature middle layer. -
1 egg
Helps bind the ricotta mixture. -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adds salty depth and sharpness. -
1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Optional but adds a subtle herbal touch.
Lasagna Build
-
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or oven-ready)
The pasta backbone of the dish. -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For that gooey, melty top and middle. - Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Foil
- Pot (if boiling noodles)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes while prepping the rest.
Step 2: Mix Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and dried herbs.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- Add 3 noodles.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
- Top with meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat layers (noodle, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella) two more times.
- Finish with remaining meat sauce and top generously with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil (spray foil with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered to brown the cheese.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~680mg
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through.
🔄 Variations & Tips
- Meatless version: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of beef.
- Extra cheesy: Add provolone or a cheese blend for more richness.
- Low-carb option: Use zucchini slices instead of noodles.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
🥰 Final Thoughts
Simple, hearty, and endlessly satisfying — this Classic Baked Lasagna is the dish you’ll make once and never stop craving. Whether for family dinners, guests, or leftovers you’ll actually be excited to eat, it’s a recipe you’ll keep in rotation forever. ❤️
