Name: Meat Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 large onion, diced; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 pound ground beef; – ½ pound Italian sausage (mild or hot); – 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; – 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; – 2 tablespoons tomato paste; – 2 teaspoons sugar; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1 teaspoon dried basil; – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); – Salt and black pepper to taste; – 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; – 15 oz ricotta cheese; – 1 large egg; – ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; – 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Meat lasagna is a beloved Italian classic that layers tender pasta sheets with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that never fails to satisfy family and friends.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe delivers layers of flavor in every bite.

Whether baked fresh or reheated as leftovers, meat lasagna is one of those timeless recipes everyone should know how to make.

Ingredients List

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– ½ pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping.

Step 7: Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce, then a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 9: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings

Serves 8

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 480
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 24g

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions or the whole lasagna for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Pair with red wine such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon for a classic Italian meal.
Lasagna also goes well with a side of antipasto or bruschetta.

Seasonal Relevance

Perfect for fall and winter comfort food, especially during the holidays.
Great for gatherings, potlucks, and family-style dinners.
Enjoyable year-round whenever you want a hearty, homemade dish.

Health Benefits

Meat lasagna provides a good source of protein from beef, sausage, and cheese, which supports muscle health. Tomato-based sauces are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health. By using whole wheat noodles, leaner meats, and part-skim ricotta or mozzarella, you can make this recipe lighter without sacrificing taste. Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms boosts fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Rich, flavorful, and satisfying	Longer prep and bake time
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep	Can be high in calories and fat
Customizable with veggies, meats, and cheeses	Requires multiple steps and dishes
Crowd-pleasing classic for any occasion	Needs resting time before serving

Conclusion

This meat lasagna recipe delivers everything you want in a classic comfort dish—rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty, filling, and always a family favorite.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or to stock your freezer, this lasagna guarantees comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.