Extra cheese, bubbling edges, pillowy noodles, and a hearty, savory filling — this Easy Meat Lasagna brings all the joy of comfort food right into your kitchen. If you love classic Italian-American fare but want something you can actually pull off on a busy weeknight or for a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is pure gold. With simple ingredients, layers that never slide, and a flavor profile that classic lasagna lovers rave about, this Easy Meat Lasagna is the recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every layer of this dish relies on simple ingredients working together to create maximum flavor. Each adds something special — from richness and creaminess to that beautiful golden cheesy topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Meat Lasagna sing:
- Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation; use it to sauté the beef and vegetables for depth in every bite.
- Ground beef: Classic, savory, and meaty — it makes the heart of this lasagna substantial and comforting.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle complexity once sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Because every Italian-inspired dish gets better with aromatic garlic.
- Marinara sauce: Go for a quality jarred sauce to save time and still get a rich tomato flavor.
- Dried basil: Brings a sweet and fragrant herbal note that wakes up the sauce.
- Dried oregano: For that familiar, earthy Italian flavor in every forkful.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances all those gorgeous layers of flavor.
- Lasagna noodles (uncooked): No need to pre-boil — they soften perfectly as they bake and soak up all that sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: Light, creamy, and the perfect foil to hearty meat sauce and gooey cheese.
- Large egg: Stirred into the ricotta for structure, so filling stays rich but never runny.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty, stretchy goodness on top and between the layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch to the top — so you get those little toasted bits after baking.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens everything up for a beautiful finish; use as a final flourish.
How to Make Easy Meat Lasagna
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Grab a large skillet and a 9×13-inch baking dish — the classic size for perfect lasagna layers and easy slicing later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Drizzle the olive oil into your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is deeply browned and the onion is irresistibly soft — about seven to eight minutes. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 3: Layer in Flavor
Add in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir together and let everything simmer for five minutes. The sauce soaks up the flavor of the beef while the herbs infuse their magic — you’ll see everything come together into a rich, savory sauce that makes this Easy Meat Lasagna so beloved.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and large egg until creamy and smooth. This easy step gives you a luxurious, light layer that contrasts beautifully with the rich meat sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spoon just enough meat sauce into the bottom of your baking dish to lightly cover it — this keeps the noodles from sticking. Lay down three uncooked lasagna noodles, then gently spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over them. Add a third of the mozzarella, and another generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat for two more layers, finishing with all the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to create that golden, bubbly top we all crave.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will become beautifully golden and the sauce will be bubbly around the edges. Let the lasagna rest for about ten minutes before slicing — this keeps the layers super neat!
How to Serve Easy Meat Lasagna
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnish! A handful of fresh chopped parsley on top delivers a fresh pop of color and a subtle herby note. If you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving never hurts anyone.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve your Easy Meat Lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies. Classic garlic bread is a crowd-pleasing choice too — perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the lasagna into generous squares for a rustic look, or use a round cutter for elegant individual portions if you’re hosting. For family dinners, serve right from the baking dish, letting everyone come back for seconds — because they absolutely will.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover lasagna cool completely before covering and storing in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, and some say it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors meld together!
Freezing
Easy Meat Lasagna is ideal for freezing. Wrap your unbaked assembled dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual (adding a bit of extra time in the oven as needed).
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole dish, covered, in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty finish.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Meat Lasagna a day in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Do I have to boil the noodles first?
No need — classic dried lasagna noodles soak up the sauce and become perfectly tender while baking. You can use oven-ready noodles if you prefer, and the results are just as delicious.
Can I swap out the meat for something else?
Definitely! Try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage for more depth, or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this Easy Meat Lasagna.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and sauté diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach with garlic and onions for a flavorful vegetarian filling.
How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?
Be sure to simmer the sauce and drain off any excess fat from the meat before layering. Letting the lasagna rest before slicing also helps set the layers and keeps everything together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy, classic comfort, Easy Meat Lasagna is the dish to make. It’s as satisfying as it is simple, and perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to share something hearty and delicious with the people you love. Give it a try — I promise, this lasagna will become your new favorite tradition!
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Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Meat Lasagna is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella come together between tender lasagna noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese with egg in a bowl.
- Layer Lasagna: Spread meat sauce in a baking dish, layer with noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with remaining sauce and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use oven-ready noodles to save time.
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor.
- Lasagna can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
