Introduction:
This Easy and Delicious Lasagna Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Best of all, it’s simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Classic and comforting: A timeless Italian favorite.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and easy layering.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and sausage if using) over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer 3 or 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a layer of the meat sauce, and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting into slices. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips for Success:
- No-Boil Noodles: For an even quicker lasagna, use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker meat sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Extra Cheese: Add more mozzarella or Parmesan to make it extra cheesy!
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Three-Cheese Lasagna: Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for a richer, cheesier lasagna.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot for an authentic Italian experience.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Special Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering and baking the lasagna.
- Large skillet: For preparing the meat sauce.
FAQ:
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Absolutely! Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a lighter texture.
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes for prepping ingredients and assembling the lasagna.
Cook Time:
- 40 minutes for baking the lasagna.
Total Time:
- 60 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
Easy And Delicious Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (and sausage if using) over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a sheet of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer 3 or 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, a layer of the meat sauce, and a layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting into slices. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
Closing Notes:
Tried this Easy and Delicious Lasagna Recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to tag us with your lasagna creations on social media!
