Description

Bubbling layers of cheese, rich tomato meat sauce, and tender pasta come together in this classic lasagna recipe, the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a make-ahead crowd-pleaser, or simply one of those easy dinner recipes that taste like home, this lasagna fits the bill. It’s cheesy, savory, perfectly spiced, and so satisfying that leftovers are a treat. Great for family meals, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, this dish combines rustic Italian charm with timeless flavor. Trust us—this is one of those dinner ideas you’ll come back to over and over again.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water or beef broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

For the Cheese Filling:

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt

Pasta & Toppings:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or oven-ready)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in seasonings, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water/broth, and sugar. Simmer 20–25 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, seasoning, and salt.
Cook lasagna noodles (if not using oven-ready) until just under al dente. Lay flat to cool.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat 3 times.
Top with final noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden.
Let rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes