If you’re looking for a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to win smiles at the dinner table, this Easy Meat Lasagna absolutely fits the bill. It’s a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake layered with savory meat sauce, tender noodles, and a rich ricotta filling. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or gathering of friends, this version comes together with straightforward steps—and just a bit of patience as all those incredible flavors mingle in the oven. Whether you’re a lasagna pro or a first-timer, Easy Meat Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food classic that’s simple to make but never short on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that classic dishes shine brightest with high-quality, familiar ingredients. Each element here earns its place at the table, coming together for that signature Easy Meat Lasagna flavor and irresistible, golden top.

1 lb ground beef: The heart of our meat sauce, bringing savory richness and a satisfying bite.
1 small onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth that balances the tomato sauce.
2 cloves garlic (minced): A burst of aromatic flavor—don’t skip this!
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: A shortcut that infuses the dish with tomatoey goodness in every layer.
1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese: For a creamy, luscious middle that melts right into the noodles.
1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling so it stays sumptuously thick.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that ooey-gooey, melty cheese pull with each slice.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Slightly salty and nutty, it forms a deliciously golden top.
9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained or oven-ready): The backbone of each layer; oven-ready saves time, but cooked noodles give classic texture.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings in those classic herb notes that make lasagna so inviting.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors in the ricotta layer, making every bite pop.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to complement all the creamy and savory layers.

How to Make Easy Meat Lasagna

Step 1: Get Everything Ready

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and gather all your ingredients. If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook them according to package instructions—then drain and set aside. Clear a bit of counter space so assembling your Easy Meat Lasagna is a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is nicely browned and the onions turn soft and tender. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—just about a minute. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce light, then pour in the marinara or pasta sauce. Stir everything together and simmer gently for five minutes so all those flavors meld.

Step 3: Whip Up the Ricotta Filling

While your sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This mixture is the secret to those creamy, dreamy layers that truly define Easy Meat Lasagna.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Spoon about one cup of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Arrange three noodles on top. Dollop and spread a third of the ricotta mixture, scatter a third of the mozzarella cheese, then top with another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan on top—get ready for that beautiful bubbly finish!

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes—this helps everything cook evenly and stay nice and gooey. Remove the foil and return the lasagna to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until you see a golden, irresistible cheese crust form on top. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 6: Let It Rest, Then Slice and Serve

This is the hardest part: patience! Let your Easy Meat Lasagna rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven. This little pause allows it to set up for perfect slicing—so you get neat layers instead of a cheesy avalanche. Enjoy every hearty bite!

How to Serve Easy Meat Lasagna

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal hit. If you’re really feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of extra Parmesan can take your Easy Meat Lasagna from homey to “wow” in an instant.

Side Dishes

Serve your lasagna with crisp garlic bread, a vibrant green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or even roasted veggies for a wholesome touch. Each side pairs beautifully with the richness of Easy Meat Lasagna, rounding out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your lasagna into petite squares for party-friendly appetizers or layering it into small cast-iron skillets for an individual, rustic flair. You can even serve it in deep bowls for that ultimate comfort food vibe—just let your creativity lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Meat Lasagna is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights—the flavors are often even better the next day! Simply wrap leftovers tightly (or tuck them in an airtight container) and refrigerate; they’ll keep beautifully for up to four days. Perfect for work lunches or last-minute dinners.

Freezing

This lasagna also freezes like a dream. You can freeze a whole assembled (unbaked) lasagna or individual cooked slices. Wrap well in foil and plastic, then stash in your freezer for up to three months. When cravings hit, just thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with baking or reheating as usual.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to their gooey, melty glory, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (covering with foil to prevent drying out), or pop individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix. A splash of extra marinara sauce can help keep things moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a blend of beef and pork. Just be sure to cook the meat fully and drain excess fat for best results.

Can I make Easy Meat Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes or so to the covered baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

Is it okay to use oven-ready noodles?

Oven-ready noodles are a fantastic time-saver! They’ll absorb just the right amount of sauce as the Easy Meat Lasagna bakes, so you can skip boiling and still enjoy classic layers.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

If you drain the meat well and avoid overly thin sauce, you’re golden. Letting the lasagna sit after baking also helps the layers firm up for perfect slices every time.

Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in a handful of fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or diced zucchini with the ricotta mixture or meat sauce to boost nutrition and flavor—just don’t overload, so layers remain sturdy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Meat Lasagna is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, forks at the ready! I hope you give it a try and share it with loved ones—there’s nothing like watching those cheesy layers disappear slice by slice. If you’re searching for a fail-proof, utterly satisfying classic, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Meat Lasagna recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese make this a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

For the Cheese Layer:

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained or use oven-ready
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onion until browned. Add garlic and cook, then drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Layer the Lasagna: Spread meat sauce in a baking dish, layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.