Cheesy and Easy Lasagna with Meat Sauce – The Best Classic Family Favorite

This Cheesy and Easy Lasagna with Meat Sauce recipe is your go-to dish for hearty comfort food that’s simple to prepare and impossible to resist. Layers of tender pasta, savory beef and tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese come together in a baked casserole that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or special occasion, this easy lasagna delivers every time.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly:
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use oven-ready noodles)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup extra grated Parmesan for topping
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

🔄 Substitutions

Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage
Ricotta: Use cottage cheese for a lighter option
Pasta sauce: Replace with homemade marinara or meat sauce
Mozzarella: Try provolone, fontina, or a shredded cheese blend
Egg: Can be omitted, but helps bind the ricotta layer

👨‍🍳 How to

Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente if using traditional pasta
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions over medium heat until browned
Add garlic, tomato paste, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish
Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used
Finish with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and cheese
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired

🧀 Mix-ins

Sautéed spinach or mushrooms in the meat sauce
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Use roasted garlic in the cheese layer for a deeper flavor
Layer in zucchini slices or eggplant for extra veggies

✅ Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the noodles—they continue cooking in the oven
Let the lasagna rest after baking so it slices cleanly
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor
Double the recipe and freeze one for later

📦 Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days
Freeze individual portions or the whole dish before or after baking for up to 3 months
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist

🌀 Recipe Variations

Make a white lasagna by swapping red sauce for Alfredo
Go vegetarian by replacing meat with roasted vegetables or lentils
Add béchamel for a creamy, traditional twist
Make lasagna rolls for a fun, portable variation

❓ FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking
Can I use no-boil noodles? Absolutely—just make sure your sauce has enough moisture to cook the noodles properly
Can I freeze lasagna before baking? Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Bake straight from frozen with extra time
What can I serve with lasagna? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, and roasted vegetables are classic sides

This Cheesy and Easy Lasagna with Meat Sauce is rich, comforting, and layered with flavor—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.