Savory Meat Lasagna: Comfort Food Everyone Will Love

This Meat Lasagna combines layers of hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, making it the perfect comfort food.

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Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: cheesy lasagna, comfort food, dinner recipes, family favorites, hearty lasagna, Meat Lasagna

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 55

Resting Time: 15

Total Time: 1 40

Servings: slices

Calories: 360kcal

Equipment

Large pot
large skillet
medium bowl
9x13-inch casserole dish
Kitchen towel
foil

Ingredients

For the Noodles

9 pieces dry lasagna noodles Ensure they don’t stick together; a little salt in boiling water helps.

For the Meat Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil Use for sautéing vegetables and meat for maximum flavor.
1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing the taste of your sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil This adds richness to the ground beef and onion mixture.
1 pound ground beef Opt for lean beef to keep your lasagna hearty yet not greasy.
1 cup onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
2 tablespoons garlic, minced A must for aromatic flavor in your sauce.
3 cups tomato sauce The heart of your lasagna, bringing moisture and flavor.
2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon salt Balances the sauce; adjust according to taste.
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Freshens up your sauce with a vibrant taste.

For the Cheese Mixture

2 cups ricotta cheese Creaminess and body; the ultimate comfort ingredient.
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided Melts beautifully, adding gooeyness to every layer.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided Adds a nutty finish that enhances all flavors.
1 piece egg, beaten Helps bind the cheese mixture for a perfect filling consistency.
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the cheese layer.

Instructions

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Meat Lasagna

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the 9 dry lasagna noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once they are tender yet firm, drain them well, then lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of finely chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes, draining any excess fat before moving to the next step.
Stir in 3 cups of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten egg, and another ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until the ingredients are smooth and creamy, creating a delightful cheese filling for your Meat Lasagna.
While assembling your dish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Meat Lasagna bakes evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly top that everyone loves.
In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, start layering your Meat Lasagna. Begin with a thin layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of cooked noodles, and then a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce and a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the top get nice and bubbly, baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and irresistible.
Once baked, remove the Meat Lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the layers to set, making slicing easier. Then, cut and serve generous portions, enjoying the warm, savory flavors with your loved ones.

Notes

Use fresh herbs and quality ingredients to elevate the flavor. Let the lasagna rest after baking for better slicing.

Nutrition