Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna
Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil create a classic Italian comfort dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, ground beef for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 oz lasagna noodles
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2, diced onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until browned and onions are translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix ricotta, parmesan, and egg until smooth. Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish, repeating layers. Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with parmesan.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lasagna noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna?
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 Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna 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 Italian Best Tomato Basil Lasagna?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
