Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1½ cups ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t require a culinary degree or an entire afternoon in the kitchen, this Easy Lasagna is your answer. Stacked with savory layers of tender pasta, rich meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, it’s a classic Italian-American favorite that always delivers—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday supper. This recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing any of that heartwarming flavor, making Easy Lasagna an absolute must-try for both beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Lasagna lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Every item plays an important role—building flavor, creating irresistible texture, and adding vibrant color to each delicious slice.

Lasagna noodles: The structure of the dish; opt for traditional or no-boil noodles for convenience.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and protein for a satisfying, meaty bite.
Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): Brings rich tomato flavor and binds everything together with a touch of sweetness.
Onion (1 small, diced): Gives aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with classic Italian aroma and zest.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, herby notes that make the sauce sing.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick to balance the richness.
Ricotta cheese (1½ cups): Delivers creamy texture and mellows out the bold flavors.
Egg (1): Helps the ricotta layer set beautifully for perfect slices.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into those signature gooey, stringy layers everyone loves.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish right on top.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing; brings a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up the final presentation.

How to Make Easy Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain them well and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step—one more reason why Easy Lasagna is the champion of fuss-free dinners!

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let this hearty sauce simmer for 5 minutes so all the flavors meld together—your kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg. Stir until smooth and creamy. This step gives the lasagna its luscious, velvety middle and ensures that each bite is perfectly rich but not too heavy.

Step 4: Assemble the Easy Lasagna

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Lay 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Dollop and gently spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, and then one-third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers twice more—noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella—until everything is used up. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. This layering is what gives Easy Lasagna its signature, mouthwatering strata.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness to each slice. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil before serving takes Easy Lasagna to the next level—presentation matters, even for comfort food!

Side Dishes

Easy Lasagna is a hearty main course, so keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread all pair beautifully. These accompaniments balance out the richness and add a lovely variety of textures to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut the lasagna into individual squares and serve on small plates with a sprig of parsley. Mini lasagna stacks or even lasagna muffin cups made in a muffin tin can be a hit at parties or potlucks. Easy Lasagna is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover lasagna tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Easy Lasagna stays fresh and tasty for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

Easy Lasagna is a freezer superstar. You can freeze individual portions or the whole dish, tightly wrapped in foil or placed in a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze before baking and simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, place a slice of lasagna in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. For larger amounts, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until bubbly. The cheese will melt perfectly, and the pasta will remain tender.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it straight into the oven—add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in place of the meat.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in Easy Lasagna and saves loads of time. If you’d like, jazz it up with a pinch of extra herbs, a splash of red wine, or a bit of crushed red pepper for added depth.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After boiling, lay the noodles out in a single layer on a clean towel or drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you won’t have to worry about this step at all.

Can I make Easy Lasagna gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute the regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free version. All the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss a thing.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with family and friends to enjoy a bubbling tray of Easy Lasagna. Every bite is a warm hug, layered with love and flavor. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to for any occasion!

Easy Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy lasagna recipe features layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines classic Italian-American flavors with simple preparation steps to deliver a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Components

9 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Simmer Sauce: Stir marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth and well incorporated.
Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the meat sauce, and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the noodles. Repeat the layering two more times, finishing with the mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch if desired.

Notes

You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step and save time.
Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for longer storage.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American