If there’s one meal that always delivers pure comfort and brings everyone to the table, it’s this Easy Lasagna Recipe. Each cheesy, hearty layer is a celebration of classic Italian-American flavors, with tender noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melty topping that bubbles beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a week of tasty leftovers, this dish checks all the boxes for simplicity, flavor, and family-favorite appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fancy here, just pantry staples and fresh basics joining forces to make magic. Each ingredient in this Easy Lasagna Recipe plays a unique role, coming together for that classic taste, gorgeous golden topping, and satisfying texture in every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: Traditional or no-boil, these form the perfect base for soaking up sauce and holding the layers beautifully.
- Olive oil: Just a touch helps brown the beef and onions while building savory depth right from the first step.
- Ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and makes the lasagna hearty enough for any main meal.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed, it sweetens and softens, blending perfectly with the beef.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves infuse the sauce with unmistakable Italian aroma and taste.
- Marinara sauce: Jarred sauce keeps things ultra-easy, bringing plenty of tomato flavor and moisture for luscious layers.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch of this dried blend gives the sauce authentic herby notes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing forward every savory element in the dish.
- Black pepper: Just enough to balance all the flavors with a gentle warmth.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a mild, luscious richness to the filling.
- Egg: Binding everything together for the perfect ricotta spread.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh and green, it brightens the creamy filling with color and subtle flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that dreamy, stringy layer on top and throughout the casserole.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor, especially when sprinkled over the bubbling final layer.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente, following your package’s instructions. Drain them carefully and lay each noodle flat on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step—your lasagna will be even simpler!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Veggies
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, then cook until the beef turns browned and crumbly and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with rich, inviting aromas and creates the savory backbone of the Easy Lasagna Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flavor to the Sauce
Once the beef and onion are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute so it releases its fragrance. Pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything bubble together on a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a robust, hearty sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat when done.
Step 4: Whip Up the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, and freshly chopped parsley. Mix until smooth. This creamy layer is the secret to that signature lasagna interior—light, luscious, and gently herbed to balance the richness of the meat and cheese.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start with a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of the meat sauce on the bottom, just enough to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 noodles to cover the base, then spread on half the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle on a third of the mozzarella, then a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining 4 noodles and any leftover sauce. Top the whole thing with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous shower of Parmesan for that bubbly, golden finale.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden-brown and deliciously bubbly. The aroma at this step will have everyone hovering around the kitchen, eager for a taste! Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking so the layers set and serving is a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Easy Lasagna Recipe truly pop, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or extra parsley over the top just before serving. A quick dusting of grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper adds an enticing final touch and makes every slice feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
The richness of lasagna loves a simple companion—think crisp green salads tossed in Italian vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread fresh from the oven, or roasted vegetables. These sides add a refreshing crunch and round out your meal beautifully without stealing the spotlight from the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions on a bed of wilted spinach, or dish out mini lasagnas baked in ramekins for a playful twist! For a family-style feast, slide the whole dish onto a wooden board and let everyone help themselves, family gathering style. However you plate it, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is guaranteed to look just as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply refrigerate slices in an airtight container. Your Easy Lasagna Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or quick work lunches. The flavors often get even better the next day!
Freezing
This lasagna is a freezer champ. Assemble the whole dish but skip baking; wrap tightly with both foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Even already baked leftovers can be wrapped and frozen—you’ll always have a comforting dinner ready to go!
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a covered baking dish at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. A splash of extra marinara or a shower of cheese on top freshens things up. For a quick fix, microwave single servings covered until steamy, but the oven keeps the edges crisp and the layers intact.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in this Easy Lasagna Recipe. Expect a slightly looser, tangier filling, but the overall creamy texture and classic taste will still shine through.
What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?
The key is to let the sauce simmer until thick and to let the lasagna rest after baking. If you’re using frozen spinach or other veggies, squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding them to the ricotta layer.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or even a hearty blend of lentils for a meat-free version that still satisfies. The Easy Lasagna Recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
Look for gently bubbling edges and a golden-brown top. A thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 165°F. Letting it cool for 10 minutes helps everything set for neat, gorgeous slices.
Is this Easy Lasagna Recipe good for parties or potlucks?
Without a doubt! It makes generous servings, holds up well for transport, and can be assembled ahead. Plus, everyone loves a classic homemade lasagna at any gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sure-fire dinner that combines comfort, nostalgic flavors, and effortless prep, give this Easy Lasagna Recipe a spot on your table. Each delicious layer brings people together, and it’s such a joy to share. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine!
Print
Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella come together to create a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cheese:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and cool.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown ground beef and onion, add garlic, marinara sauce, seasonings, and simmer.
- Mix ricotta: Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
- Assemble: Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use no-boil noodles to save time.
- Add spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
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