Meatloaf Lasagna combines the best of two comfort food favorites—juicy, flavorful meatloaf and cheesy, layered lasagna. This dish delivers the richness of seasoned ground beef, the heartiness of pasta, and a creamy cheese filling all baked together for a meal that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Cheese Layer:
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Cook the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.Once browned, add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over it. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly, then spoon over some meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. -
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set perfectly. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 510
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Tips:
Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a juicier, more flavorful sauce.
If you prefer, replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Add finely chopped carrots or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
For a twist, spread a thin layer of mashed potatoes between the layers—it adds a true meatloaf touch.
Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
