Description
This Easy Meat Lasagna is a classic Italian-American favorite that combines layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce made from ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, this comforting dish is baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a delicious family meal.
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
Topping
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside, being careful not to let them stick together.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- 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 mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meat lasagna!
Notes
- For easier serving, let the lasagna cool and set for at least 10 minutes after baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, adjusting baking time as needed.
- Fresh herbs such as basil can be used in addition to parsley for garnish.
- Leftover lasagna stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
