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Baked lasagna with golden cheese layers and tomato meat sauce, served hot for a hearty lunch

The Best Lasagna Recipe for Lunch That Feels Like a Warm Hug

Ouissam Recipes
Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this classic lasagna is the ultimate cozy lunch—delicious, satisfying, and easy to make.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meat Sauce:
  • 500 g ground beef or half beef/half pork
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • For the Cheese Layer:
  • 400 g ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
  • Other:
  • 9 lasagna noodles boiled al dente
  • 300 g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 50 g grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the aromatics:
    Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.
  • Brown the meat:
    Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned. Drain excess fat. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine the flavors. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
  • Mix the ricotta filling:
    In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, and parsley (if using) until creamy and smooth.
  • Boil the noodles:
    Cook the lasagna noodles as per package instructions. Drain and set aside on parchment paper.
  • Preheat your oven:
    Set it to 375°F (190°C).
  • Assemble the lasagna:
    In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish:
    Spread a layer of meat sauce
    Add a layer of noodles
    Spoon over ricotta mixture
    Sprinkle mozzarella
    Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella and parmesan on top
  • Bake:
    Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Cool before serving:
    Let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps it hold together when slicing.

Notes

Want to level up your lunch? Try swapping the meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to your sauce for a bold, spicy kick. Lasagna is more than a meal—it's a warm hug in every slice! 💛
Keyword Beef Lasagna, Classic Italian Lasagna, Easy Lasagna Recipe, Lasagna Recipe