1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Classic Meat Lasagna

Simple Italian Lasagna

This classic homemade lasagna layers tender pasta with seasoned meat sauce and creamy cheeses. While it takes some time to prepare, the steps are simple and the result is perfect comfort food that feeds a crowd.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:00 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A baked dish of lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A baked dish of lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with parsley. | zestplate.com

Looking for the easiest homemade lasagna recipe ever? I've perfected this simple version after years of making complicated lasagnas that took forever. This easy lasagna recipe is my family's favorite comfort food and best of all it comes together so quickly. The secret? Store-bought marinara and no-boil noodle technique that saves tons of time without losing that authentic homemade lasagna taste.

Why This Easy Lasagna Recipe Works Every Time

My secret to the best lasagna recipe is keeping it simple. I use really good store-bought marinara like Rao's or Newman's Own it makes such a difference. The noodles cook right in the sauce no pre-boiling needed. Just make sure they're well covered with sauce. Here's a pro tip let it rest for 15 minutes after baking. The layers settle perfectly and you get those picture-perfect slices every time.

Everything You Need For This Homemade Lasagna

  • Yellow Onion: One medium onion finely chopped.
  • Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon for cooking.
  • Ground Beef: Get lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Kosher Salt: Half teaspoon to bring out the flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Fresh ground is best.
  • Marinara Sauce: A big 24-ounce jar around 3 cups.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups shredded low-moisture the melty kind.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Regular ones not the no-boil type.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta makes it extra creamy.

Let's Make The Best Lasagna Recipe Ever

Fire Up That Oven
Get your oven nice and hot at 400°F rack in the middle.
Get That Meat Ready
Chop up your onion really fine. Heat your oil in a big pan cook the onion beef salt and pepper until the meat's nicely browned about 8 minutes. Let it cool a bit.
Prep Your Pan
Spread some sauce on the bottom of your 9x13 pan. Mix the rest with your meat mixture.
Layer Time
This is where the magic happens. Start with 5 noodles break them to fit. Spread 1 cup ricotta then 1½ cups meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella.
Keep Building
Do another layer just like that. Top with your last noodles and cover them well with sauce.
Baking Magic
Cover with foil bake for an hour. Check if the noodles are tender if not give it 15 more minutes.
Cheese Time
Top with that last cup of mozzarella and bake uncovered until it's bubbly and golden.
The Waiting Game
Let it rest 15 minutes before cutting those perfect squares.

Make Your Lasagna Recipe Ahead

Want to get ahead on your easy lasagna recipe? Build it up to 2 days before and keep it in the fridge. I actually love doing this because the flavors have time to meld together. For super advance prep you can freeze your homemade lasagna for a whole month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge for 2 days before baking.

Tips For The Best Homemade Lasagna

After making this easy lasagna recipe dozens of times I've picked up some tricks. Always layer your sauce generously especially around the edges that's where noodles can get dry. Don't skimp on the cheese and make sure to cover every corner with sauce. My family loves when I add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving. The smell of this homemade lasagna baking in the oven brings everyone to the kitchen.

Storage Tips For Your Lasagna

This homemade lasagna recipe actually tastes even better the next day. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge they'll stay good for up to 5 days. Want to freeze individual portions? Cut your cooled lasagna into squares wrap them well and freeze. They're perfect for quick workday lunches just microwave until hot and bubbly.

A freshly baked lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese in a glass baking dish. Pin it
A freshly baked lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese in a glass baking dish. | zestplate.com

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This easy lasagna recipe has become my most requested dish at family gatherings. It's simple enough for busy weeknights but still feels special enough for company. The layers of pasta melty cheese and rich meat sauce create that classic homemade lasagna taste we all crave. Best part? You don't have to tell anyone how easy it was to make they'll just know it's delicious.

Perfect For Any Occasion

Whether you're new to making lasagna recipes or just want an easier version of your usual method this recipe won't disappoint. It's perfect for Sunday dinner meal prep or feeding a crowd. Every time I make this homemade lasagna recipe someone asks for the recipe. It's become my signature dish and I bet it'll become yours too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ Why not use no-boil noodles?

Regular noodles provide better texture and layer better. They cook perfectly in the sauce without pre-boiling, making them just as convenient.

→ Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking. Cover with foil and add 20 minutes to baking time.

→ Why let it rest before serving?

The 15-minute rest allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier. If cut too soon, the layers may slide apart.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Feel free to mix in provolone or parmesan with the mozzarella. Keep the ricotta as it provides the creamy texture between layers.

Classic Meat Lasagna

Create classic Italian lasagna with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and three cheeses. Simple recipe perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
80 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 10 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 medium yellow onion.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1 pound lean ground beef.
04 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
06 24-25 ounce jar marinara sauce (3 cups).
07 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups).
08 15 dry lasagna noodles (regular, not no-boil).
09 15-16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese (2 cups).

Instructions

Step 01

Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400°F, ensuring proper temperature for even cooking.

Step 02

Finely dice the onion, then heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers with warmth.

Step 03

Add onion, beef, salt, and pepper to skillet, breaking meat into small pieces while cooking until nicely browned.

Step 04

After meat cools slightly, combine with most of the marinara sauce, reserving some for the bottom of pan.

Step 05

Spread a thin layer of plain marinara sauce across the bottom of your 9x13-inch baking dish carefully.

Step 06

Layer 5 noodles in the dish, breaking if needed to fit, then spread 1 cup ricotta and 1.5 cups meat sauce.

Step 07

Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over the meat sauce, creating your first complete layer of the lasagna structure.

Step 08

Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella, saving some cheese for the final topping later.

Step 09

Add final layer of noodles and remaining sauce, then cover dish tightly with foil to trap moisture while baking.

Step 10

Bake covered for one hour, then check noodle tenderness by inserting a knife through all layers gently.

Step 11

Uncover, add remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns lightly.

Step 12

Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting, allowing layers to set properly for clean, beautiful servings.

Notes

  1. Feeds large group.
  2. Can be made ahead.
  3. Freezes well.
  4. Perfect comfort food.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Large skillet.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 25 g