This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Italian Lasagna with Mini Meatballs is one of my favourite recipes that my Nonna used to make on repeat. It’s the definition of comfort food that combines the classic taste of lasagna with the most flavourful mini meatballs that are packed between layers of cheese and homemade tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for your next family dinner and is sure to impress. Down below I will share with you all of my tips, tricks and answers to commonly asked questions to ensure you get the perfect Italian Lasagna with Mini Meatballs the first time you make it!
Let’s stay connected!
Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! When you make this recipe (or any recipe of mine, for that matter!), please tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your re-creations!
Looking for more Italian recipes?
Looking for more Italian Classics? I will leave a few personal favourites linked down below:
- Beef Cutlets
- Chicken Parmesan
- Lasagna with Mini Meatballs
- Italian Stuffed Peppers
- Italian Meatball Subs
- Baked Zucchini Parmigiani
- Homemade Pizza Dough
- Minestrone Soup
- Spaghetti & Meatballs
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make my Italian Lasagna with Mini Meatballs. For the exact detailed measurements and ingredients, please scroll to the bottom of this page to review my recipe card.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Mutti jarred Italian tomatoes, or San Marnzano
- Carrot
- Red pepper
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Milk
- Lasagna
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
Lasagna at a glance
Taste: This lasagna is the definition of comfort food. It’s a true labour of love and I promise it’s worth making.
Time: Any labour of love takes time, and my Italian Lasagna with Mini Meatballs is no exception. Set aside about 2.5 hours to make this recipe from start to finish.
Effort: This recipe is going to take a little more effort than a more traditional lasagna that uses a meat sauce, but I promise its worth it.
Difficulty: I promise you can make this recipe! The hardest part in this recipe is going to be making the mini meatballs, which aren’t overly difficult, they are just a bit time consuming.
Substitutions & FAQ’s
Can I use store-bought mini meatballs? Yes! If you want to save on some prep work, you can. Just follow whatever instructions are on the packaging.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Usually I make this recipe the day before my guests are coming over and I bake it when they arrive. It stays good in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking.
Storing & reheating
Fridge: Leftovers will stay good in your fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Once the lasagna has cooled down, add it to an airtight container and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Cover with foil and bake in a 375 degree over until heated through-out, about 30 minutes.
Watch the recipe video
Watch the recipe video on Instagram
Italian Lasagna with Mini Meatballs
Ingredients
Homemade Sauce:
- 1/3 cup olive oil , extra virgin
- 7.5 cups Mutti jarred Italian tomatoes, purée
- 1 large carrot, peeled
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper plakes, optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- handful of fresh basil
Mini Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup fresh Italian parsley , chopped
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Eggs:
- 3 hardboiled eggs, shells removed, chopped fine
Lasagna:
- 1.5 boxes lasagna , roughly 18 pieces
- 4.5 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan, shredded
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
Homemade Sauce:
- Begin by preparing your tomato sauce by bringing a large, deep pan or dutch oven to low/medium heat.
- Add your olive oil, carrot, and red pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Turn heat to low, add garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add jarred tomatoes, cover and let simmer for about 2 hours, stirring every half an hour or so. Tip: rinse out the jar of tomatoes with about 1/4 cup of water, and add it to the pot.
- During the last 20 minutes of cook time, add your salt and fresh basil.
- Taste, add salt if you need, and remove the carrot, pepper and garlic cloves.
Meatballs:
- Combine all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and mix really well to combine.
- Roll into tiny meatballs and lay on a greased baking sheet. Tip: Add more breadcrumbs if the meatballs don't roll easily and appear to be too sticky. About 1/4 cup at most.
- Bake at 400 °F for 15 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
- Remove from the oven and set aside.
Hard Boiled Eggs:
- Boil 3 eggs by placing them in a pot and covering them with roughly an inch of cold water. Over high heat, bring water to a boil.
- As soon as the water begins to boil, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Leave in water for roughly 10-11 minutes.
- Move eggs to a medium size bowl filled with ice and water to bring the temperature down. About 5 minutes.
- Peel and chop eggs, set aside.
Lasagna:
- Cook lasagna in a large pot of salted water. Cook 2 minutes less that recommended cook time as per packaging instructions. Strain and set aside.Tip: if your lasagna appears to be sticking together, brush on some olive oil.
- Assemble. Grab a large baking dish and begin by adding in at least 2 cups of tomato sauce to the base of the baking dish. Lay down your lasagna, followed by mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, and meatballs. Continue for at least 3 layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella (if you have) and provolone cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in a 375 °F oven for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking, and broil for 1 minute to brown the provolone.
- Let sit for 20 minutes before slicing, and enjoy!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
