Homemade Baked Lasagna

Homemade baked lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish made with layers of ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and tender lasagna noodles. This easy lasagna recipe is a popular comfort food for family dinners, holidays, and meal prep. Oven-baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers rich flavor and a hearty texture that pairs well with salads, garlic bread, and side dishes. A traditional baked pasta recipe ideal for large gatherings, make-ahead meals, and freezer-friendly cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 6 cups marinara sauce (about 2 jars)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 lb lasagna noodles (16 oz)
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Drain excess fat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and the marinara sauce. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
5. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a tray lightly coated with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
6. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Add a layer of noodles (about 5, trimming if needed), followed by ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, then 1 cup of sauce.
8. Repeat layering two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles and remaining sauce.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
11. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked lasagna is rich, hearty, and layered with creamy cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a comforting oven-baked dish perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and make-ahead meals.

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Tips

• Let the lasagna rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
• Don’t overcook noodles since they continue cooking in the oven.
• Drain excess fat from the beef for a less greasy sauce.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if preferred.
• Replace marinara with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for heat.
• Add layers of béchamel sauce for a richer texture.

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FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, bake or unbaked lasagna can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.

Do I need to boil the noodles first?
Yes, unless you are using no-boil lasagna sheets.

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Serving

Serve warm with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a simple green salad and extra Parmesan on top.

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Suggestions

This lasagna works great for meal prep, family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. It can be portioned and reheated easily, making it a convenient comfort food option throughout the week.