Introduction
Lasagna with Meat Sauce is one of the most iconic Italian comfort foods, loved worldwide for its rich, hearty flavors and beautiful layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. Originating in Italy and perfected over generations, lasagna has become a staple in kitchens everywhere, symbolizing warmth, family gatherings, and celebration.
This dish features tender lasagna noodles layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures—the richness of the sauce, the gooey cheese, and the soft pasta, all baked until golden and bubbling.
What makes lasagna truly special is that it’s not just food—it’s a tradition. Whether served for Sunday dinner, holiday feasts, or casual weeknight meals, lasagna always brings comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it captures everything I adore about Italian cuisine: bold flavors, comforting textures, and a sense of indulgence. The meat sauce is rich and flavorful, the cheeses are creamy and melty, and the layers create a beautiful presentation.
Another reason I love lasagna is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or serve it fresh out of the oven. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as good the next day, maybe even better, because the flavors deepen overnight.
Most of all, I love how lasagna brings people together. There’s something about placing a hot, bubbling casserole dish of lasagna in the middle of the table that instantly makes everyone feel at home.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
Lasagna is a must-try dish because it’s a classic that everyone should have in their cooking repertoire. It’s rich, filling, and universally loved. It has the ability to transform a simple dinner into a special occasion.
The combination of savory meat sauce, pasta, and melted cheese is hard to resist. Even picky eaters can’t say no to lasagna. It’s also customizable—you can make it meaty, vegetarian, or even gluten-free.
If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before, this recipe is the perfect starting point—it’s straightforward, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: ~600–650 calories per serving (depending on cheese and meat used)
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) ground Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles until al dente.
- Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
(Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Mix until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly.
- Add ¼ of the mozzarella and more meat sauce.
- Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) two more times.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with aluminum foil (tent slightly to avoid touching the cheese).
- Bake for 25 minutes covered.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve
Slice into squares and serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with lasagna.
Recipe Tips
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting—it helps hold its shape.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- For a richer sauce, simmer it longer (up to an hour).
- Add spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant.
- White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce and chicken instead of tomato-based sauce.
- Cheesy Lasagna: Add provolone, fontina, or pecorino to the cheese mixture for extra depth.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices as a noodle substitute.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble lasagna, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 30 minutes to cooking time.
- Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C).
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for sauce)
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Conclusion
The Lasagna with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping ahead. With its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that never fails to bring people together around the table.
This recipe is not just food—it’s tradition, comfort, and joy baked into every bite.
Lasagna with Meat Sauce
Description
Lasagna with Meat Sauce is one of the most iconic Italian comfort foods, loved worldwide for its rich, hearty flavors and beautiful layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
For the Cheese Filling
Other Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Step 2: Cook the Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking. (Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)
-
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until well blended.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly. Add ¼ of the mozzarella and more meat sauce. Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
-
Step 5: Bake: Cover with aluminum foil (tent slightly to avoid touching the cheese). Bake for 25 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
