Lasagna

Ingredients

• 8 eachlasagna noodles$2.42
• 1 lbground beef$2.39
• 10 ozricotta cheese$1.56
• 2 cupmozzarella cheese, shredded$2.38
• 0.5 cupParmesan cheese, grated$1.19
• 3 cupmarinara sauce$1.65
• 1 eachlarge egg$0.25
• 2 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.12
• 0.75 tspdried basil$0.03
• 0.5 tspkosher salt$0.01
• Total for 4 servings$12.00

Most of the cost is lasagna noodles ($2.42) and ground beef ($2.39). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $7.92. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, cook the lasagna noodles for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, the egg, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan and the kosher salt until evenly blended.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced garlic for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles, until browned with no pink remaining (160°F / 71°C). Drain off the excess fat.
4. Stir the marinara sauce and dried basil into the beef skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 5 minutes before removing from heat.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in an 8x8-inch baking dish. Layer 2 noodles (trimmed to fit), a third of the ricotta mixture, a quarter of the remaining sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella; repeat twice. Finish with the last 2 noodles, the remaining sauce and mozzarella, and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
7. Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for 15 minutes so the layers set firmly, then slice into 4 squares and serve warm.