I’ve been making this lasagna for years — it’s the one I bring to potlucks and the recipe my family requests for birthdays. This version layers a meaty tomato sauce with a creamy ricotta filling and plenty of melty mozzarella, producing comforting, crowd-pleasing slices that hold together without falling apart. If you want a reliably satisfying lasagna with straightforward steps and familiar pantry ingredients, this is it — and if you like comparing techniques, my notes on classic lasagna techniques can help you tweak timing and layering.

Why you’ll love this dish

This lasagna hits the sweet spot: hearty, cheesy, and very forgiving. It’s ideal for feeding a family, making ahead for weeknight dinners, or sending with a friend who needs a warm meal. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the sauce depth without complex seasoning, and the ricotta-egg mixture creates a custardy layer that keeps every bite tender.

“This lasagna disappeared in minutes — rich sauce, just the right cheese pull, and leftovers that reheated like a dream.” — happy home cook

Beyond comfort, this recipe is budget-friendly (basic pantry staples), kid-approved (mild, familiar flavors), and adaptable — swap meats, go vegetarian, or use no-boil noodles if you prefer.

For a veggie-first approach, also check out my write-up on vegetable lasagna for ideas on hearty swaps.

The cooking process explained

Before you cook: expect a short stovetop simmer and two rounds in the oven. Rough overview:

Boil noodles and drain.
Brown ground beef and Italian sausage; soften onion and garlic.
Add crushed tomatoes and herbs; simmer about 30 minutes for depth.
Mix ricotta with an egg for a stable, creamy layer.
Assemble: sauce → noodles → ricotta → cheeses, repeat, finish with sauce and cheeses.
Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes to set before slicing.

This quick roadmap helps you pace hands-on time and oven time so the whole meal comes together smoothly.

What you’ll need

12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) — use no-boil to skip the boiling step.
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on preference)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (one large can)
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes/substitutions:

For lighter lasagna, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella.
Swap ground turkey for beef for a milder flavor.
Add a cup of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta for extra veggies.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. (If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.)
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom.
Lay down a single layer of noodles, spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, and sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella and a little Parmesan.
Repeat layers (sauce → noodles → ricotta → cheeses) two more times, finishing with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set.

For assembly tips and alternate timing, see this step-by-step lasagna guide that walks through layering tricks.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve slices hot from the oven with:

A crisp green salad (peppery arugula or a simple romaine Caesar).
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up sauce.
A light vegetable side like roasted broccoli or a lemony green beans salad.

For a special touch: garnish with extra chopped basil and a drizzle of good olive oil. For plating, cut with a sharp knife and use a metal spatula to lift neat squares; warm plates help keep the lasagna hot longer.

Storage and reheating tips

Cool leftovers to room temperature (no more than 2 hours at room temp), then:

Refrigerate: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: place a slice in a microwave-safe dish and cover; microwave in 30–60 second bursts until hot. For best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes.
Freeze: wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–60 minutes, covered, until heated through.

Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Helpful cooking tips

Drain cooked meat well to avoid a watery lasagna.
If your sauce seems thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to concentrate flavors.
Let the lasagna rest before cutting — this prevents a soupy, falling-apart slice.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
Make ahead: assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This actually improves flavor meld.

For more time-saving tricks and chef-level tweaks, read additional guidance at more tricks for this lasagna.

Creative twists

Vegetarian: replace meats with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, and add a layer of spinach in the ricotta.
White lasagna: swap the tomato sauce for a béchamel with cooked chicken and mushrooms.
Spicy: use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Gluten-free: use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly slice eggplant or zucchini as noodle substitutes.

FAQ

Q: Can I assemble this lasagna the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Do I have to boil the noodles first?
A: Only if you’re using traditional lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles are a convenient alternative; just ensure you have enough sauce so they fully hydrate while baking.

Q: How do I stop the top from burning while the inside heats through?
A: Cover with foil for the first part of baking, then remove foil to brown the top. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute dairy-free ricotta, shredded dairy-free mozzarella, and a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Texture will differ slightly but flavors can still be excellent.

Conclusion

This lasagna is a dependable winner — comforting layers, simple ingredients, and a straightforward oven finish make it a perfect go-to for family dinners or special occasions. If you want to compare a classic crowd-favorite version with a visual guide, check the original inspiration at World’s Best Lasagna Recipe (with Video). For an approachable, home-cook take with extra tips and variations, I also recommend The World’s Best Homemade Lasagna – Easy Recipe!.

Classic Lasagna

A hearty and cheesy lasagna layered with a meaty tomato sauce and creamy ricotta filling, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 20

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

12 pieces lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil) Use no-boil to skip the boiling step.
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on preference)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (one large can)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Ingredients

16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking. (If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.)
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom.
Lay down a single layer of noodles, spread about one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, and sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella and a little Parmesan.
Repeat layers (sauce → noodles → ricotta → cheeses) two more times, finishing with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set.

Notes

For lighter lasagna, use part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella. Swap ground turkey for beef for a milder flavor. Add a cup of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the ricotta for extra veggies.

World’s Best Lasagna