Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

24 oz marinara sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Simmer: Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Mix ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Assemble lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
Repeat layers, finishing with sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cooking Tips

Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold clean layers.
Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
Cover tightly with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.

Variations

Vegetable Beef Lasagna: Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce.
Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella into the ricotta layer for richer texture.
Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months; bake from thawed or add extra baking time.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 460
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 95mg