Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Meatloaf lasagna is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines two family favorites into one hearty dish. Imagine the savory flavors of a classic meatloaf layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender lasagna noodles. This recipe transforms a traditional weeknight dinner into a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family meals. The meatloaf layer adds depth and heartiness, while the lasagna layers balance it with creamy, cheesy indulgence. What makes this dish truly special is its versatility – you can stick to the classic version, or adapt it with different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces to suit your taste. It’s comforting, filling, and offers all the layers of flavor you crave in a baked pasta dish, with a unique twist that keeps it exciting. Whether you are a meatloaf enthusiast, a lasagna lover, or simply searching for a satisfying dinner idea, this recipe will not disappoint.
Meatloaf Lasagna – The Best Comfort Food Mashup
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty twist on two comfort food classics, Meatloaf Lasagna combines layers of savory meatloaf filling, pasta sheets, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese for a rich and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg (for ricotta mixture)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the sautéed onion/garlic mixture. Mix well.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese with 1 egg until smooth.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the meatloaf mixture over the noodles, followed by some marinara sauce, a layer of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, meatloaf mixture, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Finish with noodles, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking for a quicker dinner.
- Serve with garlic bread and salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
The foundation of the meatloaf layer, ground beef provides rich, savory flavor and hearty texture.
Ground pork
Adding pork to the meat mix enhances juiciness and creates a more flavorful blend.
Onion
Finely diced onion brings aromatic sweetness and depth to the meatloaf base.
Garlic
Fresh garlic cloves add a sharp, savory kick that complements the tomato sauce and meat.
Breadcrumbs
These help bind the meatloaf mixture, ensuring a tender but firm texture.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder, keeping the meatloaf cohesive while adding richness.
Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty element that enhances both the meat mixture and the lasagna layers.
Milk
A splash of milk keeps the meatloaf moist and prevents it from drying out during baking.
Italian seasoning
This blend of herbs infuses the meat with a classic Mediterranean flavor.
Salt and black pepper
Essential seasonings that balance and heighten all the other flavors.
Lasagna noodles
The base of the dish, these noodles create structure and the characteristic layered effect.
Marinara sauce
A rich tomato sauce that ties the dish together, coating each layer with tangy, savory goodness.
Mozzarella cheese
Melted mozzarella provides the classic stretchy, gooey topping lasagna is known for.
Ricotta cheese
Creamy ricotta adds a smooth, delicate layer that balances the robust meat flavors.
Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness to the final layers.
Directions
Start by preparing the meatloaf mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Preheat the oven and lightly grease a large baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the ingredients by starting with noodles, followed by a portion of the meatloaf mixture, then marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a topping of marinara and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese is melted. Remove the foil toward the end of baking to allow the top to brown and bubble. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or entertaining. Preparation takes roughly 30 minutes, and baking requires 1 hour. With cooling time included, expect the dish to be ready in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, bake covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped in foil and reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Meatloaf Lasagna
Double the mozzarella or add provolone for an even cheesier version.
Vegetable Layered Lasagna
Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Twist
Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in place of pork for a little heat.
Barbecue Meatloaf Lasagna
Swap marinara with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet variation.
Turkey Meatloaf Lasagna
Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.
Four-Cheese Blend
Mix mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for an ultra-rich cheese profile.
Pesto Layered Lasagna
Add a layer of pesto between the noodles for a fragrant, herby twist.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and breadcrumbs for a diet-friendly alternative.
Mini Individual Lasagnas
Assemble in ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions.
Low-Carb Option
Replace noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a lighter take.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, just adjust the baking time and add extra sauce to ensure they cook properly.
Do I need to cook the meat mixture before layering?
No, the meatloaf mixture cooks fully in the oven as the lasagna bakes.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a common alternative and works well in lasagna.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain excess liquid from ricotta and avoid adding too much sauce between layers.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
Meatloaf lasagna is a delicious and inventive twist on two beloved classics, offering all the warmth of meatloaf and the layered richness of lasagna in a single dish. It’s hearty, versatile, and easy to adapt to your family’s preferences, making it a recipe you will want to return to time and again. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals, this comforting bake is sure to become a favorite at your table.