If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that warms the soul, look no further than this Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe. Layered with savory ground beef, Italian sausage, rich ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a celebration of classic Italian flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction with just the right touch of cheesy, meaty goodness. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to make any night of the week a special occasion.

Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to mastering this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender noodles bringing structure to the rich cheeses adding creamy texture and the robust meat sauce layering on flavor and color.

  • 12 lasagna noodles: Use classic noodles that you can cook al dente to hold all the layers perfectly without falling apart.
  • 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor that forms the backbone of the meat sauce.
  • 1 pound Italian sausage: Adds a fragrant, spiced kick to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz): Choose a quality jarred sauce or homemade for a delicious, tomato-rich base.
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy, silky layers that balance the robust meat with mild richness.
  • 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for a smooth, custardy texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty undertones that elevate the creamy cheese layer.
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey all-star that crowns each cheesy layer.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Herbs that bring aromatic depth and classic Italian flair.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory notes and complements the meat beautifully.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to round out and enhance every element.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh color and a hint of bright herbaceousness at serving time.

How to Make Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly, ensuring your lasagna cooks evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze afterward.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly. Perfect noodles are key—they provide the sturdy yet tender layers that make every bite delightful.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Simmer with Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish, then stir in your marinara sauce. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so all those incredible flavors meld into a rich, meaty sauce.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer

While your sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture will add luscious creaminess and a hint of savory spice throughout your lasagna.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers

Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the base of your greased dish. Layer three lasagna noodles evenly on top, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Follow that with one-third of the meat sauce and about one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process twice more, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top. The layers create a beautiful, flavorful structure ready for baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Removing the foil after that allows the cheese on top to brown and bubble perfectly during the final 15 minutes of cooking. This step turns your layered creation into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

How to Serve Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens every serving with a pop of green and gentle herbiness. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan on top for an irresistible finish that elevates both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve this lasagna alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or garlic bread that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. These sides complement the richness of the lasagna and balance the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a fun, rustic vibe or layer this Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe in smaller baking dishes for personalized lasagnas at your next gathering. You can also drizzle a bit of extra marinara or a basil pesto sauce on each plate to add a splash of color and an extra flavor dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as good as fresh.

Freezing

This Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap the dish well with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, removing the foil toward the end to crisp up the top. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this lasagna?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version, or you can mix in some chopped mushrooms for extra texture while keeping it rich and hearty.

Do I have to boil the noodles before assembling?

Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they cook properly and layer nicely without becoming mushy once baked. Some no-boil noodles are also available, but following package instructions is best for this recipe.

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, and use a tomato sauce without meat. The ricotta and mozzarella will still provide plenty of great texture and flavor.

How long does this lasagna take to bake?

The total baking time is 40 minutes—25 minutes covered with foil and an additional 15 minutes uncovered to get that bubbly, golden cheese on top just right.

Is it okay to prepare the lasagna the day before?

Yes! Assembling the lasagna a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake; you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe is a true kitchen champion—simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for guests or special occasions. Its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles come together in that perfect harmony that defines a great lasagna. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite with your loved ones.

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Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This easy meat lasagna recipe layers rich ground beef and Italian sausage in marinara sauce with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian classic baked to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles

  • 12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente, drain well, and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  5. Assemble Layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with 1/3 of the meat sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the layers thoroughly.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, allow lasagna to rest about 10-15 minutes before serving.
  • Use no-boil noodles to save time—just increase baking time slightly and add extra sauce if needed.
  • Italian seasoning can be substituted with a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and turkey Italian sausage or reduce cheese amounts.

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