Easy Homemade Meat Lasagna: A Hearty Family Dinner Classic

Classic and Simple Meat Lasagna

Enjoy this hearty meat lasagna loaded with ground beef, whole wheat noodles, rich marinara sauce, and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. This Italian-inspired casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Meat Lasagna

• Easy prep: Uses prepared marinara sauce to save time.
• Whole wheat noodles: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
• Crowd-pleaser: Melty cheese and savory beef layers everyone will adore.

Ingredients for Homemade Meat Lasagna

• 12 whole wheat lasagna noodles
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 cups jarred marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the whole wheat lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add ground beef, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles on top of the sauce.
6. Sprinkle ⅓ of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the noodles. Repeat layers twice more, ending with cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
8. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Meat Lasagna

• Sauté diced onions and minced garlic with the beef for extra depth.
• Swap in ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
• Assemble ahead: Refrigerate overnight and bake when ready for dinner.

Prep Time: 25 m | Cook Time: 1 h 10 m | Total Time: 1 h 35 m | Servings: 8

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 501 kcal | Carbs: 47 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Fiber: 6 g | Sugar: 12 g | Sodium: 999 mg | Cholesterol: 115 mg

Serve a steaming slice of this meat lasagna and watch smiles light up around your table.