Meat Lasagna

Classic Meat Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food.  Few dishes say “home-cooked comfort” like a bubbling pan of meat lasagna.  Layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese, melty mozarella cheese, and tender lasagna sheets, this classic Italian favorite is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.  This hearty lasagna never disappoints and is loved by everyone in my family.  It’s my most requested meal for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich and flavorful: Layers of savory meat sauce and creamy cheese make every bite delicious.
• Perfect for gatherings:  Feeds a crowd and can be made ahead of time.
• Freezer-friendly:  Great for meal prep or saving leftovers.
• Classic Italian comfort:  A timeless recipe that everyone loves.

Ingredients needed to make Meat Lasagna:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage or combination of both
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14.5 oz can of Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 9 lasagna noodles, cook according to package directions
• 1 16 oz carton cottage cheese (substitute 15 oz carton of ricotta cheese if desired)
• 3 cups or more shredded mozarella cheese (extra for topping if desired)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to make Meat Lasagna:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place ground beef in a large skillet and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.  Add onion and garlic and brown beef.  Drain off grease.

• Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, and pepper.  Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes.

• Cook noodles as directed on package and drain in colander.

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Add a layer of noodles then spread meat sauce, 6 large spoonfuls of cottage cheese and a cup of mozarella cheese (or more if desired)

• Repeat with noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and mozarella cheese layer.
• Add the last layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce and mozarella cheese as desired.  Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.

• Cook uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 45-50 minutes.  Let stand before cutting for 15 minutes so it holds together.

Notes:

• Great with a mixture of half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Let it rest before slicing – it’s the secret to neat layers.
• Want it extra cheesey? Sprinkle more mozarella on top before baking.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees or in the microwave until hot.

Other cozy dinner recipes to try:

Salisbury Steak Meatballs

Peppered Beef and Asparagus

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Meat Lasagna

LeAnn

Classic Meat Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with layers of noodles, meat sauce, creamy cheese and melty mozarella.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Equipment

• 1 Large skillet
• 1 9x13 baking dish

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage or combination of both
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 14.5 oz can of Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 9 lasagna noodles, cook according to package directions
• 1 16 oz carton cottage cheese (substitute 15 oz carton of ricotta cheese if desired)
• 3 cups shredded mozarella cheese (extra for topping if desired)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place ground beef in a large skillet and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.  Add onion and garlic and brown beef.  Drain off grease.
• Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, and pepper.  Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer about 20 minutes.
• Cook noodles as directed on package and drain in colander.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Add a layer of noodles then spread meat sauce, 6 large spoonfuls of cottage cheese and a cup of mozarella cheese (or more if desired)
• Repeat with noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and mozarella cheese layer.
• Add another layer of noodles, remaining meat sauce and mozarella cheese as desired.  Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
• Cook uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 45-50 minutes.  Let stand before cutting for 15 minutes so it holds together.
• Notes: *Great with a mixture of half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor. *Let it rest before slicing - it's the secret to neat layers. *Want it extra cheesey? Sprinkle more mozarella on top before baking. *Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days. *Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. *Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees or in the microwave until hot.

Keyword Meat Lasagna, Lasagna, Classic Lasagna, Italian recipes

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