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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
