Flavour Quest Recipes

🍝 Hearty Baked Lasagna

Hearty baked lasagna is a comforting, oven-baked classic layered with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and bold Italian flavor. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals, this satisfying dish delivers cozy comfort in every bite.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 8

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb Ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional for flavor)
1 Small onion finely chopped
3 Cloves garlic minced
1 can Tomatoes 28 oz, crushed
2 tbsp Tomato paste
1 can Tomato sauce 15 oz
2 tsp Basil dried
1 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
For the Cheese Filling:
15 oz Ricotta cheese
1 Egg large
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
2 tbsp Parsley fresh, chopped
1/2 tsp Salt to taste
Additional Layers:
9 Lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
3 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Method

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef, sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna
Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers (noodles → ricotta → sauce → mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and remaining mozzarella on top. Sprinkle Parmesan.
Bake
Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Bake
Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

🔄 Variations

Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.

Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.

Add a layer of béchamel for a creamier, classic-style lasagna.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright finishing touch.

❄️ Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until warmed through.

💡 Tips

Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to help it set.

Cover with foil during the first part of baking to prevent over-browning.

Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Do I need to boil lasagna noodles first?
A: Not if you’re using oven-ready noodles. Regular noodles should be cooked until just al dente.

Q: Why is my lasagna watery?
A: Excess moisture from sauce or vegetables can cause this. Let it rest after baking to firm up.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.