Most Satisfying Classic Lasagna
Layers of rich tomato sauce, tender meat, and creamy béchamel create this timeless Italian comfort dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 85 minutes pairs sheets lasagna sheets, ground beef, Italian sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 8, 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 sheets lasagna sheets
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz Italian sausage
- 1 small, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef and 8 oz Italian sausage with 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour until a roux forms. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, stirring until thickened.
- Step 4: Layer lasagna sheets in a 9x13-inch dish. Spread 1/2 of the meat sauce, then 1/2 of the béchamel, followed by 1/2 cup Parmesan. Repeat layers and top with remaining sauce and Parmesan.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Most Satisfying Classic Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (40 min prep + 45 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 Most Satisfying Classic 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 sheets lasagna sheets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Most Satisfying Classic 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 Most Satisfying Classic Lasagna for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Most Satisfying Classic 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.