Description
Classic Baked Lasagna is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish layered with beefy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, holidays, or freezer-friendly make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Repeat with another 3 noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Top with last 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based meat.
- Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use oven-ready noodles for a shortcut (ensure enough sauce to cover).
- Cottage cheese can replace ricotta if preferred.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
