Basic Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef

Basic lasagna recipe with ground beef. Layers of noodles, ground beef in marinara, and ricotta cheese.

Ask anyone and they will tell you the best lasagna they ever had was their moms’. It is true. My mom made a killer lasagna and so did Brandon’s mom. As we discuss whose mom made it better one thing that they have in common is that they are both basic lasagna recipes. Nothing crazy. Just the basics.

As I was craving that easy lasagna recipe with ricotta cheese I decided to throw one together and share it with you. Basic lasagna in all its comfort food glory! Serve it up with a Caesar salad and baguette.

We love ricotta cheese in our lasagna. The ricotta layer is actually my favorite, but you just can’t add ricotta all by itself. You have to add mozzarella and herbs to the ricotta for a flavorful layer in your lasagna. If you love ricotta too you have to make my easy Ricotta Stuffed Shells. When you cut into the shells it is a ricotta and 5 cheese explosion.

This recipe is a good framework for making lasagna. Get creative by swapping out ground beef for ground spicy Italian sausage. Add provolone cheese to the mozzarella layer of the lasagna or other Italian cheeses.

Ingredients for Basic Lasagna

These are the basic ingredients for that classic lasagna recipe that everyone loves!

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 25.5 oz. jar of your favorite pasta sauce. It is ok if it isn’t the exact amount. As long as it is close enough you will have enough sauce for your lasagna.
• 12 lasagna noodles – I always just cook the whole box. There is always going to be a lasagna noodle that rips apart.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 15 oz. container of whole milk ricotta cheese. My favorite layer!
• 16 oz. package of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• 1 egg – You can omit the egg if you like. I have made this recipe with and without and never have I ever thought….damn that cheesy ricotta layer is missing that egg!
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

How to Make Lasagna

The first 2 things to knock out in this recipe are boiling the lasagna noodles and cooking the ground beef. I always boil the whole box of lasagna noodles because there are always a few noodles that will tear.

Prepare to make the perfect lasagna!

• In a medium pot, heat ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook on medium heat until it’s browned, then drain the fat. Once done, return the beef to the pot and add the sauce, stirring before removing it from the heat.
• Fill a large pot ¾ full with water, adding a pinch of salt and olive oil. Bring it to a boil and add the noodles. Don’t drain them after cooking; leave them in the hot water to prevent breaking or sticking.
• In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and egg until smooth.
• Layer the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan with a thin layer of sauce, then add 3 noodles side by side.
• Ladle over half of the tomato sauce and even it out.
• Layer 3 more noodles, then spread the ricotta mixture.
• Then add 3 more noodles and half of the remaining mozzarella. Add the final layer of noodles, then spread the remaining tomato sauce across.
• Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and put back in the oven, baking for an additional 15 minutes.
• Finally, broil for 2 minutes to get a lovely, bubbly topping. Cool for 10 minutes and serve!

How long do you cook lasagna?

Thirty minutes, covered with tinfoil. Then 15 more minutes uncovered. Don’t forget to take into account prep time when planning your dinner. Prepping and assembling the lasagna should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

How to save leftover lasagna.

Refrigerator: Cut the leftover lasagna into serving portions. Place individual portions in an airtight container and refrigerate. The leftover lasagna will stay good for about two days before it starts to dry out.

Freezer: This method is best done the next day after the lasagna has been refrigerated overnight. Cut the leftover lasagna into serving portions. Using plastic wrap, wrap lasagna portions tightly several times. Place wrapped lasagna portions in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Unwrap lasagna portions and microwave for 2 minutes and then in 30-second increments until heated through.

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Another easy lasagna recipe is my Baked Ravioli Lasagna with Italian Sausage. Layers of Italian Sausage Ravioli, Sauce, and Cheese!

Basic Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef

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