I’d never had this kind of pasta before, and it was unbelievably good!

This classic comfort dish delivers everything you love about homemade lasagna: tender layers of pasta, rich beef sauce, and a smooth, cheesy filling. It’s a perfect centerpiece for a relaxed Sunday dinner with family.

Classic Beef Lasagna

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles – 9
• Ground beef – 1 pound
• Small onion, finely diced – 1
• Garlic, finely chopped – 2 cloves
• Marinara sauce – 24 ounces (1 jar)
• Ricotta cheese – 15 ounces
• Egg – 1
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups
• Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

Directions

Step 1: Heat the oven and prepare the pasta

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles following the package instructions. Drain them well and place them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics and brown the beef

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.

Step 3: Simmer the meat sauce

Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the ricotta mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg, mixing until smooth and evenly blended.

Step 5: Layer the lasagna

• Spread a light layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Place 3 noodles over the sauce.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles.
• Sprinkle about ⅔ cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
• Add a layer of meat sauce.
• Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and the remaining meat sauce on top.

Step 6: Top with cheese and bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan evenly over the lasagna. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Finish uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.

Step 8: Let rest and serve

Allow the lasagna to sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers firm up for clean, well-shaped servings.