How to Make It
1. Prepare the Beef Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
This sauce should be rich and slightly thick—not watery.
2. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup of the mozzarella (save the rest for topping), parsley, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and fully combined.
That’s it. One bowl. Done.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Add a layer of noodles.
Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Spoon meat sauce on top.
Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce) until ingredients are used, finishing with meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the final layer.
4. Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover with foil (lightly tent it so it doesn’t stick to the cheese) and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the top is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
For a slightly crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Let It Rest
This part matters. Let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing. It helps the layers set and keeps everything from sliding apart.
Then slice, serve, and watch it disappear.
Tips for Success
Use oven-ready noodles to save time.
Don’t over-sauce—too much liquid makes lasagna soupy.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra depth.
What Makes This Lasagna Special?
It’s reliable. It’s balanced. And it doesn’t demand culinary gymnastics to pull off.
The beef layer brings hearty richness. The single ricotta mixture adds creamy structure and flavor in every bite. The melted mozzarella on top seals it all together in golden comfort.
It’s the kind of dish that works for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or when you just need something warm and grounding on the table.
Simple method. Big flavor. No unnecessary steps.
And honestly? That’s how lasagna should be.
