Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles: 9 lasagna noodles Meat Sauce: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Cheese Mixture: 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing dinners, nothing quite compares to an Easy Lasagna Recipe. This cheesy, saucy classic layers tender pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a bubbly blanket of melty mozzarella for a meal that truly satisfies. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this dish never fails to impress—and the best part? It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna is glorious in its simplicity! Each ingredient in this Easy Lasagna Recipe plays a starring role—bringing richness, depth, and that irresistible Italian flair to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make every layer shine:

Lasagna noodles (9): These form the foundation of the dish—choose classic or oven-ready for less fuss.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the onions for a perfect flavor base.
Small onion, diced (1): The gentle sweetness of sautéed onion balances the savory meat sauce beautifully.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Garlic infuses each layer with classic Italian aroma—don’t skip it!
Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Pick your favorite for either a hearty or slightly spicy meat sauce.
Marinara or tomato pasta sauce (24 oz jar): Store-bought sauce saves time, but use your best favorite for robust flavor.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds an herbal brightness reminiscent of traditional Italian recipes.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons every bite and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle bite, rounding out the taste of the sauce.
Ricotta cheese (15 oz): The creamy middle layer that gives lasagna its signature texture.
Large egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta, so it’s deliciously sliceable.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into stretchy, gooey perfection atop every layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for a salty, savory crust.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A little sprinkle of green for color and a pop of freshness at serving time.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and lay them flat on a baking sheet or towel to keep them from sticking together while you work on the other layers.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds—just long enough to release its aroma without burning.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly. If there’s extra fat, you can drain it off to keep the sauce from getting too greasy. A well-browned meat base is key for a flavorful Easy Lasagna Recipe!

Step 4: Make the Savory Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meat, then sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes—this is where all those flavors meld together and create that signature hearty taste.

Step 5: Blend Ricotta and Egg

While your sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl and combine the ricotta cheese with the egg. A quick stir until smooth will give you a rich and creamy filling that holds its shape beautifully after baking.

Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and flavors the first layer. Next, lay 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture on top, then one-third of the meat sauce, followed by one-third of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final scatter of mozzarella plus all the Parmesan cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Give your Easy Lasagna Recipe a 10-minute rest after it comes out—this helps firm up the layers so every slice is perfect.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, a little fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan is all you need to brighten up the plate. The dash of green not only looks inviting but adds a delicate, fresh flavor that plays so well with the rich lasagna.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Lasagna Recipe with a crisp green salad or classic Caesar, and don’t forget some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a touch of color, throw some steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the lasagna into triangle slices for a bistro-style feel, or portion it into ramekins before baking for adorable, individual servings. You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a hint of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Lasagna Recipe cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days, letting you enjoy hearty, homemade comfort food any time!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion individual slices into freezer-safe containers. The lasagna will keep its wonderful flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F until it’s hot and bubbly throughout (around 20 minutes for a slice, longer for a whole pan). Microwaving works in a pinch for individual servings—just cover to keep in the moisture!

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles for this Easy Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! Oven-ready or no-boil noodles make this Easy Lasagna Recipe even simpler because you can layer them dry and they’ll soften perfectly as they bake.

Is it possible to use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Definitely. Cottage cheese is a great substitute and adds a slightly lighter, tangier flavor—just make sure to drain any excess liquid for the best texture.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

The key is to let your lasagna rest after baking, which allows the sauces to settle. Make sure to drain your cooked noodles well, and use a thicker, chunkier sauce for best results.

Can I make this Easy Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or your favorite veggies, and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. You’ll get all the classic flavors and textures without the meat.

Can I assemble lasagna in advance?

Yes—assemble your lasagna up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before popping it into the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a homemade Easy Lasagna Recipe from the oven—the bubbly cheese, the savory aroma, the anticipation for that first bite. Gather your ingredients, invite some loved ones, and give this classic recipe a try. You won’t regret adding it to your favorites!

Easy Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy lasagna recipe is a classic family favorite, perfect for a comforting meal. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Lasagna Noodles:

9 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper