Classic Meat Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Hearty Family Favorite

Lasagna night has always been a cherished tradition in our home. I remember the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and melting cheese filling the kitchen, signaling that something special was on the way. This particular recipe is a nod to my mother’s classic version, with a few personal tweaks to make it my own. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates a comforting dish that brings the family together. Over the years, I’ve refined the recipe to balance rich flavors with ease of preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The joy of layering the ingredients and watching them meld into a bubbling, golden masterpiece never gets old. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna always feels like a warm embrace, reminding us of the love and care that goes into every meal.

Classic Meat Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Mozzarella – Hearty Family Favorite

This classic meat lasagna features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, it's a timeless favorite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 box lasagna noodles oven-ready or cooked
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

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Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 baking dish 9x13-inch
• 1 saucepan
• 1 Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and parsley.
4. Spread a layer of sauce in the baking dish. Add noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, mozzarella. Repeat layers.
5. Top with Parmesan and extra mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a variation.
• Add spinach to the ricotta layer for a nutrition boost.