Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

If there’s one dinner that brings everyone to the table without a fuss, it’s Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead of a busy week, or just craving a comforting baked pasta dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, cheesy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying. And guess what? It’s way easier to make than you might think.

This version of classic lasagna with meat sauce is all about simplicity. No boiling noodles. No complicated steps. Just layers of love (and cheese) stacked into one of the most comforting meals you can make. Trust me, once you try this, you might never go back to the frozen stuff again.

Looking for another version of this dish? Try our Homemade Lasagna Recipe for a different take.

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Why This Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce Is a Winner

Let’s break it down. This traditional lasagna brings together ground beef, a savory tomato meat sauce, and creamy ricotta with gooey mozzarella for that iconic layered pasta casserole. It’s the kind of meal that makes the house smell incredible and gets people asking for seconds.

Here’s what makes this recipe extra lovable:

• No-boil lasagna noodles: Soak them in hot water while you prep the sauce. Easy.
• Freezer-friendly: Make it now, enjoy it later.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep Sundays.
• One pan, less mess: All the good stuff without a mountain of dishes.
• Tastes like classic Italian lasagna: But way less work.

This is the kind of oven-baked lasagna that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.

Check out our Easiest Lasagna Recipe Ever if you’re short on time but still want those classic lasagna flavors.

Ingredients for the Best Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. Just the right ones:

For the meat sauce:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 32 oz spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cheese filling:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, if you prefer)
• 2 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta:

• 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles (or soak regular ones in hot water until soft)

Optional:

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Red pepper flakes for heat

Looking for another comforting Italian meal? You might also love our Italian Meatloaf Recipe made with similar hearty flavors.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

1. Soak the Noodles

Fill a large dish or tray with very hot water. Submerge your lasagna noodles and let them sit while you prep the sauce. This step makes them flexible and ready to layer without boiling. Welcome to lasagna magic.

2. Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir in salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. You now have a hearty tomato meat sauce that smells like a dream.

3. Prep the Cheese

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Give it a little taste. Add a pinch of salt if needed.

4. Build Your Lasagna Layers

Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Start layering:

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
• Add noodles (three sheets side-by-side).
• Spread cheese mixture.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Repeat layers until everything is used up.
• Top with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a big handful of cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-55 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to get that golden, bubbling top.

6. Rest and Serve

Let your lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Serve it alongside our Homemade Italian Bread Recipe for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips and Tricks for a Moist and Cheesy Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

• Let it rest: Resist diving in right away. It’s worth the wait.
• Use part-skim cheeses: They melt beautifully and balance the richness.
• Don’t over-sauce: Too much liquid makes a soggy lasagna.
• Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley on top adds freshness.
• Double it: Make two pans and freeze one for a rainy day.

Want something else hearty and baked with beef? Our Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef might hit the spot.

Make It Your Way: Variations on Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

This recipe is super flexible. Here are some easy tweaks:

• Vegetarian: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or zucchini.
• Spicy: Add spicy Italian sausage or chili flakes.
• Low-carb: Use zucchini slices instead of noodles.
• Cottage cheese instead of ricotta: Yes, it works. Just drain it first.

Want something quicker? Check out our Easiest Lasagna Recipe Ever for a fast-track version.

FAQs

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 440 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Servings: Makes 8-10 servings

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings

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Description

If there’s one dinner that brings everyone to the table without a fuss, it’s Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce. Hearty, cheesy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying, this easy baked pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 32 oz spaghetti sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 16 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 2 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Soak noodles in hot water while prepping the sauce.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet, cook onion until softened, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat.
3. Stir in spaghetti sauce, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Mix ricotta, half mozzarella, and half Parmesan in a bowl. Season lightly with salt.
5. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers. Finish with noodles, sauce, and cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes. Remove foil for last 10 minutes.
7. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment

bowl

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Notes

Let lasagna rest before cutting. Use fresh herbs for garnish. Make ahead or freeze for later.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Final Thoughts

Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a ritual. The kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with savory smells, brings people together, and leaves you with full bellies and happy hearts.

Whether you’re feeding your kids, sharing a dinner with friends, or freezing a tray for your future self, this traditional lasagna delivers. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite.

Looking for more cozy Italian-inspired dishes? Try our Italian Meatloaf Recipe or our crowd-pleasing Italian Sliders Recipe. And for a pasta alternative, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta or Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

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