Introduction

Classic Ground Beef Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian-American comfort foods. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich and savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella, this dish is the epitome of hearty and satisfying. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or at a festive gathering, lasagna has a way of bringing people together around the table.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between homemade flavor and easy preparation. The sauce simmers until rich, the cheese layers add indulgence, and the baked top turns golden and bubbly — exactly what you expect in a classic lasagna.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is classic, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that feels worth the effort, and leftovers taste even better the next day. I also enjoy how customizable it is — you can make it as traditional or creative as you like by adding veggies, changing up the cheeses, or adjusting the sauce to your taste. Plus, making lasagna always feels like cooking with love — it’s layered with care and meant to be shared.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Timeless classic: A staple in Italian-American kitchens.
Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepped in advance and baked later.
Customizable: From meaty to vegetarian, from creamy to cheesy.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours
Servings: 8–10 slices
Calories: ~450 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
½ lb (225 g) Italian sausage (optional, for richer flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Filling:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Layers:

12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Cooking Directions

Prepare Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Add sugar, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley.
Prepare Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well.
Cook Lasagna Noodles
- Cook noodles according to package instructions (if using regular lasagna noodles). Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking.
Assemble Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 4 noodles over sauce.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
- Add 1 ½ cups meat sauce.
- Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) two more times.
- Top with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake
- Cover with foil (spray underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Rest & Serve
- Let lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing (important for clean layers).

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Brown beef, sausage, onion, and garlic.
Simmer with tomato sauces, seasonings, and herbs.
Mix ricotta filling with egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
Cook lasagna noodles.
Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella — repeat 3 times.
Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
Rest, slice, and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
Pair with a fresh green salad (Caesar or Italian dressing).
Add a glass of red wine (Chianti, Cabernet, or Merlot) for an elevated meal.

Recipe Tips

Let lasagna rest before serving — it keeps layers neat.
Use a mix of ground beef + sausage for depth of flavor.
Fresh mozzarella makes it extra creamy.
Make the sauce a day ahead for richer flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
White Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce, chicken, and spinach.
Four-Cheese Lasagna: Add provolone and fontina to the cheese blend.
Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles or zucchini slices instead.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble lasagna, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour 30 minutes.
Freezer (Baked): Freeze cooked lasagna in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes — assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes — cottage cheese works as a lighter, higher-protein alternative.

Q3: How do I keep lasagna from being watery?
Simmer sauce until thick, drain noodles well, and let lasagna rest after baking.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use two baking dishes and bake both at the same time.

Conclusion

Classic Ground Beef Lasagna is a timeless, hearty, and satisfying dish that deserves a spot in every home cook’s recipe collection. It’s rich, cheesy, saucy, and layered with love — the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at a festive family gathering, this lasagna guarantees smiles and second helpings.