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Classic lasagna recipe with spicy meat sauce

Quick and easy lasagna recipe for busy weeknights. Features a spicy marinara sauce and will provide plenty of delicious leftovers.
Print This Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Equipment

  • 9x13 deep baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl and spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 - medium onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 1 - 24 oz jar Mezzetta spicy marinara sauce
  • 1 - 16 oz box no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 2 - 8 oz bag shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 - 8 oz bag shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 - 15 oz container ricotta cheese
  • 1 - egg
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Dice the onion and slice the mushrooms if using. I like the onion chopped finely.
  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with the onion and mushrooms until fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spatula leaving no large clumps.
  • Here's a good time to season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You really don't need a lot.
  • Stir in the jar of spicy marinara sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine about 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella, 3/4 cup of Parmesan, the ricotta cheese, and 1 egg, then mix well. If the mixture is too dry to spread with a spatula easily then add a tiny bit of water for moisture to get it to the right consistency.
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish to further prevent sticking to the bottom.
  • Add a layer of the lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish the best you can.
  • Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another layer of meat sauce.
  • Repeat the layers of noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce until the dish is full, aiming for at least three layers if possible.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top layer of meat sauce.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
  • Take off the foil and cook uncovered for another 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven again and let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

This is the lasagna I make for my family, and it’s always a hit. The layers of spicy meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles come together perfectly for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. You can stick with the spicy marinara for some extra kick or swap it for something milder—either way, it’s delicious. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers? Even better the next day. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!
Keyword Classic Lasagna Recipe, Easy Lasagna Recipe, Spicy Lasagna Recipe