Delicious Meat Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy meat lasagna layered with flavorful ground beef, rich sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil about 6 lasagna noodles until tender.
- Add ground beef, chopped onions, bell pepper, salt, pepper, and seasoning salt to a cooking pan.
- Over medium-high heat, brown the beef and drain the fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce (leaving 1/3 of sauce in the jar) and sugar to the drained beef.
- Continue stirring the spaghetti sauce through the ground beef.
- Spread the remaining 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles across the bottom of the pan.
- Add half of the spaghetti meat sauce over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese on top of the meat sauce.
- Place the remaining lasagna noodles on top of the cheese.
- Add the remaining spaghetti meat sauce and the remaining cheeses over the noodles.
- Bake for about 20 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meat sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole wheat lasagna noodles. You can also try different cheeses, such as ricotta or parmesan, for added depth. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, similar to Miss Mae'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious meat lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a classic Caesar salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Italian Meat Sauce For Pasta. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For a larger portion, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Meat Lasagna contains roughly 194 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1017mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just layer them directly with the meat sauce and cheese, adding a bit of extra sauce to ensure they cook properly. Keep in mind you may need to adjust cooking times slightly, so refer to the package instructions for the best results.
How do I make this lasagna ahead of time?
To prepare this lasagna ahead of time, assemble it as directed, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
For a different flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables to create a hearty filling that complements the cheese and sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).