This delicious Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna comes together in about 45 minutes and is made all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, this recipe is about to become your new go-to!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Lasagna Noodles : 9 pieces (no-boil or regular)
- Ground Beef : 1 lb
- Italian Sausage : 1 lb (spicy or sweet)
- Marinara Sauce : 2 cups
- Ricotta Cheese : 15 oz
- Mozzarella Cheese : 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese : ½ cup, grated
- Fresh Basil : ¼ cup, chopped
- Egg : 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna
Preheat the Oven : First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, all your delicious layers will bake to perfection when you pop them in!
Cook the Meats : In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to break up the meat and scrape those yummy bits off the bottom of the pan. When it’s fully cooked, the meat should be browned and no longer pink.
Add Marinara Sauce : Once your meat is cooked, add the marinara sauce straight into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld really well. The smell oh my goodness, it’s heavenly!
Mix the Cheese : In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You really want to get in there and mix it up well, so just go for it!
Layer It Up : In a greased 9×13 baking dish, start layering! To begin, spread a layer of your meat sauce on the bottom. Then, place 3 noodles on top, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process, building as many layers as you desire, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top. It’s like a cheesy dream come true!
Bake It : Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to keep all that moisture in you want it to bake, not dry out!). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Let It Rest : Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. You’ll be tempted to dive right in, but trust me on this step!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I want to create something comforting and satisfying for my family, it’s pure comfort food! I’m a real sucker for that melty cheese and savory flavor combination. The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it as flexible as it is delicious. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a busy weeknight, this Italian lasagna always comes through for us!
If you loved this Italian lasagna, be sure to check out my Ina Garten Cassoulet, my Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin, or my Ina Garten Cassoulet!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This lasagna comes together in under 45 minutes, so it’s perfect for those nights you need something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder
Everything is made in one skillet, so there’s minimal cleanup required afterward. Awesome, right? Less time scrubbing and more time enjoying!
Budget-Friendly
Using everyday ingredients keeps this recipe friendly on your wallet. Plus, you can make substitutions based on what you have in your pantry.
Meal Prep Friendly
It’s perfect for meal prep! You can easily double the recipe and freeze one for a later date, or portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser
Loaded with tons of flavor, this dish is bound to please both adults and kids alike! Your whole family will love it, and I guarantee seconds will be requested!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Lasagna
Serve your homemade lasagna with a fresh salad and some crusty garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Pair it with a nice red wine if that’s your style for a lovely touch!
Storage
This lasagna will keep well in the fridge for about 3-5 days stored in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop the lasagna in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual pieces as needed. Just remember to cover it to prevent it from drying out!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this lasagna is freezer friendly! Just assemble it, cover it well, and freeze before baking. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
So there you have it, your new favorite weeknight meal! Seriously, you’ll want to make this Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna again and again. The comforting layers of cheese, sauce, and meat just call for those cozy evenings with family or friends.
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Grandma’s Divine Italian Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage for about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, start layering: spread a layer of meat sauce, place 3 noodles, add cheese mixture, then mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.