Classic Meat Lasagna

Name: Classic Meat Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; 4 cups shredded mozzarella; 12 sheets lasagna noodles, cooked; 1 tsp salt

Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella

By RecipesQueen Kitchen • June 10, 2026

Prep: 30 min

Cook: 1h 15m

Servings: 10

Difficulty: Medium

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This classic meat lasagna is the kind of dish that brings the whole family to the table — layers of rich, slow-simmered meat sauce, creamy herbed ricotta, and pools of bubbling mozzarella, all baked until golden and bubbly. It's comfort food royalty.

The meat sauce is the backbone: a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs until thick and deeply flavorful. The ricotta filling is enriched with egg, Parmesan, and fresh basil for a creamy layer that holds everything together.

Yes, it takes some assembly time, but the result — a towering, golden-topped pan of lasagna that feeds 10 people — is absolutely worth it. Make it the day before for even better flavor, or freeze an unbaked pan for the ultimate make-ahead dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 cups shredded mozzarella
12 sheets lasagna noodles, cooked
1 tsp salt

Instructions

1
Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes.
2
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 30 minutes until thick and rich.
3
Mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, and basil in a bowl.
4
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup meat sauce in a 9x13-inch pan. Layer: 4 noodles, 1/3 ricotta mixture, 1/3 remaining sauce, 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers twice.
5
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then 20 minutes uncovered until bubbly and golden.
6
Rest for 15 minutes before cutting — this is essential for clean slices. Garnish with fresh basil.