Comfort Food Lasagna Bake

Name: Comfort Food Lasagna Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I absolutely love making this Comfort Food Lasagna Bake on cozy nights when the weather outside is chilly. It brings back memories of family dinners, laughter, and warm conversations over a hearty meal. This recipe blends layers of tender noodles, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The best part is that it takes just a short time to prepare, allowing me to enjoy quality moments with my loved ones while it bakes to perfection in the oven.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:29:35.967Z

Ever since I first tried my hand at making lasagna, I’ve been captivated by the wonderful amalgamation of flavors that come together in just one dish. The layering of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese transforms into a comforting delight with every bite. I often experiment with different herbs and spices, which I found elevate the dish to new heights. A trick I learned is to let it rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing the layers to set beautifully!

Each time we gather around the table to enjoy this lasagna, I’m reminded of family celebrations filled with warmth. I love how versatile this dish is – it's perfect for weeknight dinners or when hosting friends. Not only can you tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, but its comforting aroma while it cooks is unbeatable. Cooking it slowly allows all the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Layers of rich marinara sauce combined with savory meat and creamy cheese
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers
Comforting and satisfying, it warms the soul on chilly evenings

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality marinara sauce can elevate this lasagna bake significantly. Look for brands that use real tomatoes and minimal preservatives. If you have time, consider making your own sauce; it adds a personal touch and allows you to control the flavors. A rich, savory sauce is key to creating that comforting depth of flavor that makes this dish feel special during a family gathering.

When it comes to cheese, a combination of whole milk ricotta and freshly shredded mozzarella ensures a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting quality. Instead, take a minute to shred your own mozzarella; it results in a more gooey and cohesive layer that’s irresistibly delicious.

Layering for Optimal Flavor

Proper layering is essential for achieving a harmonious flavor profile in your lasagna. Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking; it acts as a base and helps the noodles absorb moisture while cooking. When you alternate layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce, you create pockets of melting cheese and savory meat that mingle together, giving each bite a taste of everything. Don't hesitate to add a bit of extra seasoning between layers if you want to punch up the flavor.

A tip for layering: when spreading the ricotta mixture, ensure it's evenly distributed. If you find it too thick, you can thin it out with a little cream or milk, making it easier to spread evenly. This results in a richer, smoother texture throughout the lasagna, improving the overall mouthfeel.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients for the best Comfort Food Lasagna Bake:

Lasagna Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
1 pound ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients work together to create a delicious lasagna that everyone will love.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Comfort Food Lasagna Bake:

Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and some pepper. Mix until smooth and well-blended.

Layer the Lasagna

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Place 4 lasagna noodles in a layer, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat this process, ending with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Rest and Serve

Once removed from the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy with a side salad for a complete meal!

Your lasagna is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Pro Tips

To make it even easier, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, which save you time on preparation. Additionally, feel free to customize the meat mix with turkey or sausage, or add layers of vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. Just make sure everything is well-seasoned!

Make-Ahead Tips

This lasagna bake is a fantastic make-ahead option! You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. If you plan to freeze it, I suggest wrapping the lasagna in plastic wrap before adding the foil – this extra layer will help maintain moisture. When you're ready to cook it from frozen, add an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time, and keep it covered until heated through.

You can also prepare individual portions and freeze them for later. Portioning the lasagna into smaller baking dishes not only makes reheating easier but also allows for convenient single servings on busy nights. Just remember to adjust your cooking time down, checking for readiness after about 20 minutes in a 375°F (190°C) oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Comfort Food Lasagna Bake with a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the cheese and meat. A simple Caesar salad or a fresh arugula salad can enhance the meal while adding freshness. Don't forget to offer some crusty garlic bread, as it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce on your plate.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider garnishing individual servings with fresh basil or parsley once plated. This not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish with a hint of freshness. You could also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an added kick.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare lasagna a day in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Just add a bit of extra baking time if you bake it cold from the fridge.

→ Can I freeze leftover lasagna?

Yes! Allow the leftovers to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What can I serve with lasagna?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with lasagna to complete your meal.

→ How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy. A knife inserted in the center should come out hot.