Who can resist the classic charm of meat lasagna, the ultimate Italian comfort food that’s universally adored? Picture it: layers of delicate lasagna sheets, generously coated with a rich, meaty tomato sauce, and a luscious cheese filling that’s topped with an extra layer of gooey, melted cheese, all crowned with a perfect, crispy crust. The best part? This sweet and hearty dinner is quite simple to make. You can even prepare it ahead of time and freeze it for later enjoyment.
Indulging in a slice of classic lasagna is an experience like no other; it always hits the right spot. Imagine a delightful harmony of melted cheese, silky spaghetti noodles, and a hearty meat sauce that fills your heart and soul – that’s the very essence of authentic comfort food. This year, we’re all about relishing comfort foods, and alongside classic meat lasagna, some of my other favorite comfort dishes include easy chicken parmesan, the timeless classic baked mac and cheese, and the refreshing lemon chicken orzo soup.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your culinary game and satisfy your cravings for heartwarming comfort, classic easy meat lasagna is the perfect choice. It is a dish that offers not only smiles to your table, but also the simplicity of prepping ahead of time and the pleasure of eating its Flavors whenever you want. Dive into a slice of Italy, and let the comforting embrace of classic meat lasagna transport you to a world of delicious indulgence.
Table of Contents
Simple and Delicious Lasagna Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Meat lasagna recipe video:
Ingredients:
1) 1 pound (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
2) 1 onion, finely chopped
3) 2 cloves garlic, minced
4) 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
5) 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
6) 2 teaspoons dried basil
7) 1 teaspoon dried oregano
8) Salt and pepper, to taste
9) 2 cups ricotta cheese
10) 1 egg
11) 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13) 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
14) Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1) Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2) Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat.
3) Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for a few minutes, or until the onion is tender and transparent.
4) Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with drying basil, dry oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to let the Flavors meld.
5) Make Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix well until smooth.
6) Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
7) Add Noodles: Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
8) Ricotta Layer: Evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9) Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10) Repeat the Layers: Continue layering with meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
11) Final Layers: For the last layer, place three more lasagna noodles.
12) Top with Sauce: Spread the remaining meat sauce over the noodles.
13) Cheesy Finish: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
14) Baking Time: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
15) Golden Perfection: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
16) Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
Indulge in Your Tasty Meat Lasagna. This classic comfort food brings together layers of flavourful meat, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, each mouthful offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more.
Meat lasagna nutrition information:
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
| Calories | Approximately 435 cal |
| Total Fat | Around 23 gm |
| – Saturated Fat | Approximately 12 gm |
| Cholesterol | About 94 mg |
| Sodium | Roughly 752 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | Approximately 24 gm |
| – Dietary Fiber | Around 2 gm |
| – Sugars | Approximately 4 gm |
| Protein | About 31 gm |
Storage and Reheat Instructions for Meat Lasagna:
Storage:
- Allow any leftover lasagna to cool to room temperature.
- Cut the lasagna into individual portions for easier storage.
- Transfer the portions into airtight containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the lasagna within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness.
- Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality.
Freezing:
- If planning to freeze the lasagna, wrap the entire dish or individual portions in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Label the wrapping with the date to track freezer time.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- For refrigerated lasagna, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Heat in the preheated oven for approximately 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- If reheating from frozen, allow the lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating following the same oven instructions.
Note:
- To retain moisture during reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth over the lasagna before covering with foil.
- Avoid reheating in a microwave, as it may result in uneven heating and affect the texture.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade meat lasagna even after storing and reheating.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the layers in a traditional meat lasagna?
A classic meat lasagna typically has layers of lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce (made with ground beef or a mix of beef and pork), ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The layers are repeated and topped with extra cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
Q. How do you keep lasagna from getting watery?
To prevent watery lasagna, drain the ricotta cheese and use a thicker meat sauce. Also, make sure the noodles are cooked al dente or use no-boil noodles, which absorb extra moisture as they bake.
Q. Can I make meat lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely, Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This also allows the flavors to meld together. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q. What’s the best meat to use for lasagna?
What’s the best meat to use for lasagna?Ground beef is the most common choice, but a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage adds extra flavor. For a richer taste, you can even use ground pork or veal.
Q. How long should lasagna bake?
Bake lasagna at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, covered with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the top from over-browning. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.
Q. How do I store and reheat leftover lasagna?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat larger amounts in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through.
You may also like…
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Mac and Cheese
- Lasagna Roll Ups
- Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
- Pumpkin Fettuccini with Chicken
