Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, layered lasagna filled with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes blends lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 9 oz lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook 1.5 lbs ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups tomato sauce and 1 cup spaghetti sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine 14 oz ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated parmesan, 2 large beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer 3 lasagna sheets, 1/3 of the beef sauce, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, and 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Repeat layers, ending with a top layer of sauce and lasagna sheets.
  6. Step 6: Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Beef Lasagna with Tomato-Ricotta Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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