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
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente, drain well, and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the layers thoroughly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- 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.
