Classic Homemade Lasagna with Ricotta & Meat Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-06 · Updated 2026-04-06

Layered pasta sheets smothered in a rich tomato-basil meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella for an authentic Italian comfort dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 95 minutes blends sheets lasagna noodles, ground beef, ground pork 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 420 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Ingredients

• 12 sheets lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped diced onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 28 oz (800g) can tomato sauce
• 14 oz (400g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 15 oz (425g) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook 12 lasagna noodles for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork, breaking into small pieces, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 28 oz tomato sauce, 14 oz diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix 15 oz ricotta cheese with 1 large egg until smooth. Set aside.
5. Step 5: Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles, 1/3 ricotta mixture, 1/2 cup meat sauce, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers twice, ending with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.