The Most Soulful Cheesy Meat Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy meat lasagna promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Layers of rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese create an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this classic dish through careful technique and love.

Hearty beef mingles with aromatic herbs, promising a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft pasta sheets absorb savory sauce, while gooey cheese bubbles into golden perfection.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings deserve this ultimate crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

FAQs About Cheesy Meat Lasagna

• What makes the meat sauce so flavorful?

The meat sauce gets its rich taste from a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of herbs like basil, parsley, and fennel seeds. Simmering the sauce for 1.5 hours helps develop deep, complex flavors.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix of meats. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before adding to the sauce.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

Pre-cooking the noodles helps them cook evenly and prevents a dry or undercooked texture. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step and adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.

Why Cheesy Meat Lasagna Is the Family Favorite You’ll Crave

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table, packed with rich, meaty flavors and gooey cheese layers.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dinners, this lasagna guarantees smiles and clean plates from kids and adults alike.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and assemble the lasagna in advance, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple modifications like adding vegetables, switching meat types, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Classic Cheesy Meat Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the lasagna sauce that provides hearty protein.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and adds a subtle richness to the cheese layer.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy and smooth cheese that creates a soft, luxurious layer in the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a classic stretchy texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the lasagna.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and savory notes to the meat sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a rich and tangy base for the meat sauce.

• Basil, Parsley, Fennel Seeds, Salt, Black Pepper, Sugar: These seasonings and herbs balance and enhance the flavors of the meat sauce.

• Lasagna Noodles: The structural foundation of the dish that holds all the delicious layers together.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the meat sauce.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the lasagna during baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Make Cheesy Meat Lasagna Like a Pro

Step 1: Sizzle Meat and Aromatics

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic

Drain excess fat after meat turns golden and vegetables become tender.

Step 2: Build Rich Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Water
• Sugar
• Basil
• Salt
• Fennel seeds
• Black pepper
• Parsley

Simmer sauce slowly on low heat for approximately 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Sheets

Boil lasagna noodles according to package guidance until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

Whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer Lasagna Magic

• Thin meat sauce base
• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta mixture
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Repeat layers, finishing with cheese topping.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil, bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, continue baking additional 25 minutes until bubbly and beautifully browned.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to settle for 10 minutes. Slice and savor your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Rich and Gooey Cheesy Meat Lasagna

• Let the meat sauce simmer slowly to develop rich, deep flavors that enhance the overall taste of the lasagna.
• Cook lasagna noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking and maintain a perfect texture.
• Layer ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has a balanced combination of meat sauce, cheese, and noodles.
• Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley to boost the aromatic profile and add brightness to the dish.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture, creating a perfectly cooked lasagna.

Variations to Switch Up Your Cheesy Meat Lasagna

• Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna: Replace meat sauce with layers of grilled zucchini slices, using marinara sauce and extra vegetables like spinach and bell peppers.
• Spicy Mexican Lasagna: Incorporate ground turkey, jalapeños, taco seasoning, and swap ricotta for pepper jack cheese for a southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded chicken, add roasted eggplant, feta cheese, and incorporate oregano and Mediterranean herbs for a Greek-inspired version.
• Seafood White Lasagna: Substitute beef with crab or shrimp, use a creamy white sauce instead of tomato sauce, and add layers of fresh herbs like dill and parsley.

Best Pairings for Cheesy Meat Lasagna

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty lasagna flavors.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness and cut through its richness.
• Match Crisp Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted zucchini or bell peppers seasoned with olive oil and Italian herbs to enhance the meal's Mediterranean profile.

Storage Advice to Keep Cheesy Meat Lasagna Fresh

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label container with date.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.

Cheesy Meat Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layers of rich Italian cheesy meat lasagna invite comfort and warmth with each savory bite. Classic flavors meld perfectly, promising a delicious meal that connects family and friends around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Tomato Base:

• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups (270 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Create a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
2. Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, and aromatic herbs like basil, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
3. Simmer the sauce on low heat for approximately 90 minutes, stirring periodically to develop deep, rich flavors.
4. Simultaneously, prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
7. Begin layering in a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin base of meat sauce to prevent sticking.
8. Construct alternating layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan, repeating until ingredients are nearly depleted.
9. Conclude the final layer with meat sauce, generously topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to trap moisture and ensure even heating.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become bubbly.
12. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making cutting easier.
13. Slice into portions and serve hot, revealing the beautiful layered composition of this classic Italian dish.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna base.
• Allow meat sauce to simmer slowly, which helps develop deeper, richer flavor profiles and tenderizes ingredients.
• Slightly undercook lasagna noodles during boiling since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing potential mushiness.
• Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent taste and texture throughout each slice of lasagna.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg