Looking for the best lasagna recipe? This classic lasagna is the perfect combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta layers. Made with ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, this lasagna is a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this homemade lasagna is sure to impress. Perfect for meal prepping, freezing, or making ahead, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (15-20% fat content)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry red wine or beef broth
1 Tbsp olive oil
24 oz marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

For the Cheese Sauce:

16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
15 oz reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

For the Lasagna Assembly:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

Instructions

How to Make the Meat Sauce:

In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Pour in 1/4 cup of red wine (or beef broth) and stir, allowing it to reduce for 2 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.

How to Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, egg, and parsley. Stir well to combine.

How to Assemble the Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Add half of the cheese sauce over the mozzarella. Repeat the layers: noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and remaining cheese sauce.
Top with the final layer of noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
To prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese, poke 9-12 toothpicks over the surface of the lasagna. Cover with foil.
Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna is the perfect balance of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles. The combination of cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella makes the cheese layer irresistibly creamy. With a simple yet flavorful meat sauce and easy assembly, this lasagna is a great option for feeding a crowd. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Meat Variations: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork instead of beef for a lighter version of this lasagna.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Substitutes: If you want to lower the fat content, you can use low-fat mozzarella and ricotta. For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based cheeses like vegan mozzarella and ricotta.
Adding Greens: Layer in some cooked spinach or kale between the layers for extra nutrients.
No Boil Noodles: If you’re short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the prep.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the following day as instructed, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely. After assembling the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, or until heated through.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly. For added flavor, you can enrich it by simmering it with a bit of garlic, onion, or red wine.

Serving and Suggestions

This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. You can also enjoy it with a glass of red wine for a perfect dinner experience.