Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato Meat Sauce – Classic Comfort Made Easy

This Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato Meat Sauce is a no-fuss take on the beloved Italian-American classic. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese come together to create a hearty, satisfying dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this lasagna is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that never goes out of style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Flavorful – A rich tomato meat sauce made with ground beef and aromatics.
Comfort Food Favorite – Classic cheesy layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or freezer storage.
Easy to Build – Uses simple ingredients and no fancy techniques.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basilor parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles
   Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Prepare Ricotta Mixture
   In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles, ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the meat sauce, and ⅓ of the mozzarella. Repeat for two more layers. Top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool & Serve
   Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

Use Jarred Sauce for Ease – Go with a quality store-bought marinara to save time.
Make It Ahead – Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Cheese Swap – Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.

Why This Recipe Works

This lasagna hits all the right notes—meaty, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. Using store-bought marinara and simple ingredients keeps things approachable, while baking it in layers ensures every bite is flavorful and balanced.

Simple Lasagna with Hearty Tomato Meat Sauce is the ultimate weeknight or weekend comfort dish. Easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for a crowd, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll make again and again