Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of mastering a hearty, soul-satisfying Italian classic, this Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe is going to become your go-to comfort meal. Layered with tender noodles, savory ground beef, rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and infused with fragrant herbs and marinara sauce, this dish marries flavors and textures in a way that feels like a warm hug from an Italian Nonna. It’s just the right balance of cheesy, meaty, and saucy, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make all the difference in this Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe, each bringing its own magic—whether it’s layering flavor, adding creaminess, or building that irresistible golden crust.

• Lasagna noodles: Choose quality noodles, and cooking them al dente is key to perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Offers a savory, hearty base that’s not too greasy for balanced richness.
• 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the meat sauce when sautéed just right.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth that’s quintessential in Italian cooking.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic herbal note that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another classic herb that brightens the meat sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice without overpowering.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Use a robust, high-quality sauce to keep each bite flavorful and saucy.
• 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creates creamy layers that cut through the heartiness.
• 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer for smooth slicing and serving.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the cheese mixture.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that lovely stretchy, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma to finish the dish elegantly.

How to Make Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature to bake your layers evenly and create that beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Cooking them just right prevents sogginess later. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to layer.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, which develops deep flavor. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion turns translucent, releasing sweetness that balances the meat.

Step 4: Season the Meat Mixture

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings work wonders to infuse your sauce with an unmistakable Italian essence.

Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering step melds the herbs and meat flavors into a rich, comforting sauce ready to soak into the noodles.

Step 6: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. The egg acts as a binder so the layers hold together, while Parmesan gives an extra punch of nutty flavor.

Step 7: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Start by spreading a thin coat of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then lay down a layer of lasagna noodles on top. On those noodles, spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by more meat sauce and a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Covering traps steam to cook everything evenly and keeps the cheese moist.

Step 9: Bake Uncovered to Brown

Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes to let the cheese melt fully and develop a golden, bubbly crust that makes this lasagna irresistible.

Step 10: Let It Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the layers set for neater slices, and the flavors settle beautifully. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a lovely burst of color and fresh herb aroma.

How to Serve Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves aren’t just pretty—they add a subtle grassy note that lifts the richness of the lasagna. For extra flair, a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving can elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads—think a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser, soaking up extra sauce and adding crunchy contrast to the creamy layers.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or offer a topping bar with extra herbs, chili flakes, and cheeses. Drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on each slice right before serving can also add luscious richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend. Store leftover portions tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making sure to keep it sealed well to maintain moisture.

Freezing

This Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in airtight containers. When stored properly, it will keep well for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to preserve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out, removing it near the end to refresh the bubbly cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and use vegetable marinara sauce. This keeps the flavor robust while making it meat-free.

Do I have to boil the lasagna noodles?

Traditional recipes call for boiling noodles al dente, but you can use oven-ready no-boil noodles for convenience. Just be sure to add a bit more sauce so the noodles cook through fully during baking.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment with asiago, fontina, or provolone for variations in flavor and creaminess.

How can I prevent my lasagna from getting watery?

Drain excess liquid from the meat sauce before assembling, avoid over-saucing the layers, and make sure your ricotta mixture isn’t too runny. Resting the lasagna after baking also helps set the layers.

Is it okay to prepare lasagna a day ahead?

Yes! As a matter of fact, assembling your Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe a day before baking helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting and satisfying about making and sharing this Classic Italian Lasagna with Meat and Cheese Recipe. Every layer tells a story of tradition, love, and that joy of gathering around a homemade meal. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just discover your new family favorite that brings smiles and warm memories with every bite.

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