Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce

Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce is one of those classic comfort dishes that never fails to impress. Layered with rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked noodles, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

The combination of savory beef, aromatic herbs, velvety cheese, and baked pasta creates a deeply satisfying experience that warms both the heart and the stomach. Whether it’s for a weekend family dinner, a potluck, or a special celebration, lasagna is always a hit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this lasagna because it captures everything comforting about homemade cooking. The rich tomato sauce simmered with beef creates a deep, hearty flavor, while the creamy ricotta adds a luscious, slightly tangy contrast. When baked, the mozzarella melts into golden perfection, creating that irresistible gooey layer we all crave.
It’s not just food — it’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and togetherness. I also love that you can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s a timeless classic: Everyone loves a good lasagna — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• It’s hearty and filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and creamy cheese for a balanced, satisfying meal.
• It’s freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
• It’s customizable: You can adapt it to your taste — add veggies, swap meats, or go gluten-free.
• It’s comfort food at its best: Layers of love baked into one perfect dish!

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 560 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (24 oz) marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Layers:

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the noodles and prepare the meat sauce.
2. Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and parsley.
3. Layer noodles, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Let it rest, then slice and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes).
3. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

(Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.)

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add a layer of 3 noodles.
4. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Add one-third of the meat sauce.
6. Sprinkle with a handful of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella) two more times.
8. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with foil (tent slightly to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
4. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
• Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
• For a lighter meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Rest before slicing: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10–15 minutes so the layers set.
• Use fresh herbs if possible for added flavor.
• Avoid watery lasagna: Drain excess fat from the meat and don’t over-sauce the layers.
• Add flavor depth: Use a bit of red wine or crushed red pepper in the sauce for a richer taste.
• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight for easy baking the next day.

Variations

1. Vegetable Lasagna: Replace beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
2. Chicken Lasagna: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
3. Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna: Add extra layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone.
4. Spinach Ricotta Lasagna: Stir chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (unbaked): Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour (covered), then uncover for 20 minutes.
• Freezer (baked): Freeze cooled lasagna in individual portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce is a hearty, flavorful classic that delivers layers of pure comfort. From the rich meat sauce to the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, every bite is a taste of home. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something special, this lasagna never disappoints.

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Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: Italian Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 560 kcal per serving

Description

Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce is one of those classic comfort dishes that never fails to impress. Layered with rich, meaty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked noodles, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups (24 oz)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz (425 g)
• 1 large egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Layers:

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Remove from heat.
2. Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture : In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of 3 noodles. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add one-third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with a handful of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella) two more times. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
5. Step 5: Bake : Cover the baking dish with foil (tent slightly to prevent sticking). Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Keywords: Baked Lasagna with Ground Beef, Ricotta, and Marinara Sauce