Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Easy Meat Lasagna recipe. Featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a timeless recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients:
For the Layers:
Lasagna Noodles: 12 sheets, cooked to al dente.
Meat Sauce: 1 pound ground beef, 1 pound Italian sausage, and 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce.
Cheese Mixture: 2 cups ricotta, 1 egg, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and seasonings.
Toppings: 3 cups shredded mozzarella.
Seasonings:
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cook the lasagna noodles per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then mix in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the meat sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat twice, ending with mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Serving Tips:
Let it Rest: After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Pair with a Side: Serve your lasagna with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Top it Off: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add color and freshness to the dish.
Serving Size: This recipe makes 8 servings, so you can serve it family-style on a large platter or slice into individual portions.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cool the lasagna to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Lasagna freezes wonderfully! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Individual Portions: If you plan to store in individual servings, cut the lasagna into pieces before refrigerating or freezing. This makes it easy to grab a single portion when you’re in need of a quick meal.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular noodles?
Yes, you can substitute no-boil lasagna noodles for regular ones in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for layering and baking, as no-boil noodles typically require a little extra sauce and moisture to cook properly.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.
Can I freeze lasagna for later?
Yes, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna, but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual, or bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with your choice of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, or use plant-based meat alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit the new ingredients!
Conclusion:
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this Easy Meat Lasagna is the definition of comfort food. Try it tonight and enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Meat Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Savor the rich flavors of this Easy Meat Lasagna, a hearty Italian classic layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add 1/3 of the meat sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat twice, ending with mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For a cheesier version, add more mozzarella between layers.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Use no-boil lasagna noodles if you prefer, but adjust baking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
