Most Satisfying Classic Lasagna

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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.

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