The Best Classic Lasagna
A rich, layered Italian dish with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs lasagna pasta, ground beef, medium, diced onion 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 pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup, cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz lasagna pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup grated Parmesan, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Layer the lasagna: Start with a thin layer of meat sauce, then 1/2 of the pasta, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella cubes, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove foil, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best Classic Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 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 The Best 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 lasagna pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in The Best 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 The Best Classic 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 The Best 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
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
