Description
This Easy Meat Lasagna recipe combines flavorful ground beef and Italian sausage with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese, layered between tender lasagna noodles and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this classic Italian comfort food is simple to assemble and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 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 and Garnish
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage thoroughly. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, blend together ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over 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, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the lasagna to heat evenly.
- Bake uncovered for finishing: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, brown the meat in olive oil before adding marinara sauce.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time; adjust layering accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can add a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps it set and makes cutting cleaner slices.
