Name: Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 medium onion diced; 1 pound ground chuck; 1 pound ground pork; 5 cloves garlic minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 28-ounce cans plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed; salt and pepper to taste; 5 basil leaves chopped; 1 pound mafaldine pasta or broken lasagna noodles; 4 cups meat sauce from above; 3 large eggs beaten; 1 teaspoon coarse cracked black pepper; 3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano; 1 cup ricotta; 3 cups shredded mozzarella divided; 3 tablespoons chopped basil; 3 tablespoons minced flat leaf Italian parsley; 3 tablespoons olive oil

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic Italian dish baking in the oven, and this Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe is just that—rich, satisfying, and perfect for gathering loved ones around the table. It’s a joyful twist on traditional lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite.

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with wavy lasagna noodles layered with a red meat sauce and melted golden cheese on top, showing some browned, crispy spots. The pasta is fully covered in cheese and sauce, with bits of fresh green basil leaves sprinkled on top. The dish is served in a dark skillet placed on a wooden surface, next to a large wedge of cheese, a metal grater, and a small bunch of fresh basil, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe countless times, especially when I want something comforting but a bit different from the usual baked lasagna. It comes together like a layered casserole but with a fun “pie” presentation that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Rich, deeply flavored meat sauce: Simmered with both beef and pork, plus a splash of white wine, it brings incredible depth and warmth.
Unique pasta choice: Mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles coat everything with just the right bite and texture.
Easy “pie” presentation: It bakes right in a skillet or oven-safe pan for rustic charm without fuss.
Great make-ahead potential: The flavors actually improve after a day, and leftovers reheat like a dream.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe lies in combining familiar Italian ingredients that sing together beautifully. Choosing quality tomatoes and fresh herbs really pays off, and pairing rich pork with beef balances the meat sauce’s flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a whole medium onion with smooth golden-brown skin, a portion of fresh ground chuck beef with deep red color, fresh ground pork with a light pink hue, five plump garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes in vibrant red, a small white bowl of dry white wine with a pale straw color, two whole bright red plum tomatoes, fresh green basil leaves, a neat bundle of uncooked mafaldine pasta with ruffled edges and a pale yellow color, three whole large eggs with clean white shells, a small white bowl with a mound of grated Pecorino Romano cheese in off-white, a small white bowl filled with creamy white ricotta cheese, a small white bowl heaped with shredded mozzarella cheese in pure white, fresh sprigs of flat leaf Italian parsley in rich green, fresh green chopped basil leaves, and a small white bowl containing coarse cracked black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil helps sauté the onions and meat, adding subtle fruity notes.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently at the start.
Ground chuck and pork: Using both gives the sauce a perfect combination of flavor and fat for richness without heaviness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its signature punch.
Crushed hot red pepper flakes: Just a touch adds a lively kick but never overwhelms.
Dry white wine: This cooks off nicely but imparts that delicate acidity to balance the tomato’s sweetness.
Plum tomatoes: Two large cans of quality plum tomatoes provide a sturdy, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
Basil leaves: Freshly chopped basil gives a bright herbal lift at the end of cooking.
Mafaldine pasta or broken lasagna noodles: Mafaldine’s ruffled edges cling to sauce perfectly, but broken noodles work as a great substitute.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the pie together for neat slices.
Pecorino Romano: This salty, sharp cheese adds complexity and savory notes.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta creates a luscious layer inside the pie.
Mozzarella cheese: Plenty of shredded mozzarella melts beautifully both inside and on top.
Italian parsley: Adds fresh, slightly peppery brightness alongside basil.
Olive oil (for cooking): Used again to coat the pan and help develop a golden crisp crust on the pie’s bottom.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s forgiving, so feel free to experiment with herbs or cheeses, and make it your own — trust me, it’s always a hit.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the ground pork for Italian sausage when I want a little extra spice and flavor punch, and it works beautifully!
Vegetarian option: Try replacing the meat with roasted vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant if you want a hearty veggie version.
Cheese swap: Mixing in some fontina or provolone alongside mozzarella gives an even creamier texture.
Gluten-free twist: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your canned tomatoes and spices are labeled gluten-free to keep this pie allergy-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe

A close-up of a slice of lasagna being lifted up from a white dish, showing layers of wavy pasta sheets with browned melted cheese on top, a thick middle layer of minced meat mixed with tomato sauce, and additional pasta and cheese layers beneath. The top layer is golden with some crispy browned spots, and green basil leaves are scattered on the lasagna. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfecting the meat sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then gently soften diced onions until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the ground chuck and pork, increase the heat to medium-high, and brown the meat, stirring occasionally. Remember to skim off excess fat—it keeps the sauce from getting greasy. Once browned, toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another couple of minutes to marry those flavors. Pour in your dry white wine and let it simmer until the alcohol smell fades, usually around 2 minutes. Then add your hand-crushed plum tomatoes, stir well, and let it bubble gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring now and then to keep it from sticking. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chopped basil just before you move on. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!

Step 2: Prepping the pasta and cheese mixture

While that sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F and place racks in the middle and top positions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—make sure it’s well salted for flavorful pasta—and cook your mafaldine until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions say. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, ricotta, Pecorino Romano, cracked black pepper, basil, and parsley in a large bowl. Add 4 cups of your luscious meat sauce to the egg mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. Drain the pasta well and toss it into the bowl along with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Mix it all up so every noodle gets coated with that amazing cheesy sauce blend.

Step 3: Assembling and baking your lasagna pie

Heat a 12-inch oven-proof skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil, swirling so the bottom and sides are nicely coated. Add the pasta mixture, pressing it down gently to fit evenly, and let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute—this helps start forming a crispy base. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella on top, and slide the pan into the oven on the center rack. Bake for 12 minutes until the pie sets. If you like a beautifully browned crown, move it to the top rack and broil for 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye—it browns fast! Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra meat sauce and a sprinkling of Pecorino Romano. Trust me, every bite will feel like a small celebration.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks over the countless times I’ve whipped up this Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe that really make all the difference in texture and flavor. Don’t rush the simmering sauce—it’s the soul of the dish.

Simmer Slowly: Take your time letting the sauce simmer uncovered so it thickens and concentrates in flavor. Rushing here means a watery pie.
Salt Your Pasta Water Well: This simple step seasons the pasta itself and prevents bland layers.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta slightly under al dente helps it hold shape baking inside the pie instead of becoming mushy.
Watch the Broiler: If you go for that crispy cheese top, keep the oven door slightly ajar and don’t walk away—burned cheese is an easy heartbreak to avoid.

How to Serve Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe

Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like a simple finishing touch—extra basil leaves scattered on top for color and fresh aroma, a light drizzle of good olive oil, and a dusting of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. It keeps things vibrant and adds a nice salty contrast to balance the rich meat pie.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a garlicky sauté of spinach to brighten the texture. Crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up all the extra meat sauce you’ll have on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving individual-sized lasagna pies in small cast iron skillets. It adds charm and personal flair that guests adore. You can even set out a little sauce “dip” bowl on the side for dunking each bite—it’s fun and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen, making reheated slices just as tasty, if not better, than right out of the oven.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie before by wrapping it tightly in plastic and then foil after it cools completely. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently covered with foil to avoid drying out. It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I like reheating slices in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, then uncovering for a few to crisp the top back up. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven really keeps the texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different pasta if I don’t have mafaldine?

Absolutely! Broken lasagna noodles are a great substitute and give a similar heartiness and texture that holds the sauce well. Just cook to slightly under al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.

Can I prepare the meat sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the meat sauce actually tastes better if made a day in advance because the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat before assembling the pie.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the ground meats for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. Using a vegetable broth or a flavorful marinara sauce will keep the pie rich and satisfying.

How do I know when the lasagna pie is fully set?

After baking for about 12 minutes, the edges should be firm, and a knife inserted near the center should come out clean. If it jiggles too much, give it another minute or two, but avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Meat Lasagna Pie Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food with a little creative flair. It’s rich, satisfying, and has just the right balance of cheesy, meaty, and herbaceous goodness. Cooking it feels like a warm hug, and sharing it—with friends or family—always sparks joy. Give it a try next time you want a dinner that’s impressive but totally doable; I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.