Lasagna

The aroma of bubbling cheese and rich marinara sauce fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the dinner table. This lasagna recipe, a classic Italian dish, takes about an hour to prepare and bake, plus a little extra time for resting. The combination of layers creates a comforting meal that is sure to delight, with perfectly balanced flavors and textures.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It also makes a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time, as it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The layers of noodles, meat, and cheese create a satisfying texture experience.
• You’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
• It’s easy to make in advance, saving time on busy days.
• The dish comes out perfectly golden and bubbling every time.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

For the Noodles

• 9 lasagna noodles, regular, not par-boiled

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef, 90/10 lean or better
• 1 package sweet Italian sausage, 16 ounces
• 1 jar marinara sauce, 32 ounces (Rao’s or similar)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp garlic, minced (about 4-5 cloves)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

For the Cheese Mixture

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

For the Topping

• 1 block Mozzarella cheese, shredded (16 ounces)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Use low-fat options to reduce richness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken for beef
• Fresh basil instead of dried parsley
• Cottage cheese can replace ricotta
• Any marinara sauce will work, but quality matters

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your lasagna.

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the noodles

Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay flat on a baking sheet.

3. Brown the meat

Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the sauce

Stir in marinara sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Mix the cheese filling

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

6. Combine the cheeses

Combine shredded mozzarella and shredded Parmesan in a bowl.

7. Assemble the lasagna

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles to cover the bottom. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with ⅓ of the meat sauce, and sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with more noodles, ricotta, sauce, and cheese.

8. Add the final layers

Add a final layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake

Cover with foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbling and golden. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.

10. Rest and serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, tightly wrap for longer storage.
Reheat: microwave or oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure noodles do not stick by rinsing them.
• Let the lasagna rest for the best slicing quality.
• Use high-quality cheese for richer flavor.
• Broil briefly for an extra crispy cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up sauce.
• Great for family gatherings or potluck dinners.