Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles: 9 lasagna noodles Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon Ground Beef: 1 pound Italian Sausage (optional): 1/2 pound Onion (diced): 1 small Garlic (minced): 2 cloves Marinara or Pasta Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces) Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces Egg: 1 large Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon Parmesan Cheese (grated): 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 2 cups Parsley (optional, for garnish): chopped

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If you’re craving a classic Italian-American comfort food that brings the whole family to the table, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender noodles, layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, every bite delivers hearty satisfaction and nostalgia. Whether you’re making dinner for a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this has become my go-to lasagna — a dish that’s as cozy to make as it is to enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of this Easy Lasagna Recipe is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role, working together to create layers of flavor, texture, and that signature bubbly finish everyone adores. Here’s everything you need — plus tips to make every layer incredible:

Lasagna noodles (9 sheets): Go for regular or oven-ready noodles; both bake up perfectly soft and tender.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds beautiful richness and helps brown the meats evenly.
Ground beef (1 pound): Essential for the classic, meaty depth every lasagna needs.
Italian sausage (1/2 pound, optional): Adds bursts of spicy, herby flavor — totally worth it if you love bold taste.
Onion (1 small, diced): Sautéed onion gives the sauce its savory backbone and subtle sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because no Italian-inspired dish is complete without garlic’s irresistible aroma.
Marinara or pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): Go for your favorite jarred sauce to keep things speedy without sacrificing flavor.
Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): This is what makes the filling creamy and luscious; cottage cheese works for a lighter option.
Egg (1 large): Binds the ricotta layer for a super-smooth texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors in the cheese layer.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the cheese’s richness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a punch of sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through every creamy bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For that classic gooey, golden, stretchy top everyone loves.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh finish that adds gorgeous color and a hint of herbal flavor.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook the Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente—tender but still sturdy. Drain them, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set them aside. This step is the foundation for perfect layers later!

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage (if using), diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the meats are browned and the onion turns translucent. Be sure to drain off any excess fat so your Easy Lasagna Recipe never feels greasy, only satisfyingly rich.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the marinara or pasta sauce into your skillet with the browned meat, giving everything a good stir. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully. This is your chance to taste and adjust the seasoning if you prefer a little extra salt or spice.

Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will bring a deliciously light and fluffy texture to each cheesy layer in your Easy Lasagna Recipe.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking. Arrange three noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Top with a third of the ricotta mixture, then a third of the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella. Repeat these delicious layers two more times, finishing with the last of the mozzarella on top for that showstopping, bubbly crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the cheese melt. Then, uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let your Easy Lasagna Recipe rest out of the oven for 10 minutes—this makes slicing so much easier and lets the flavors settle for the perfect bite.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to get a little fancy, add some extra grated Parmesan right as it comes out of the oven—trust me, it makes all the difference for a restaurant-worthy finish!

Side Dishes

This Easy Lasagna Recipe loves good company. Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread that’s crusty on the edges, or a plate of roasted vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the lasagna and make every meal feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

To make a dinner party memorable, serve each slice on a colorful plate, topped with just a bit of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Want to impress kids or guests? Try baking the lasagna in individual ramekins or casserole dishes for personal servings—everyone loves their own mini lasagna!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover portions of your Easy Lasagna Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking dish well with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. The flavors truly deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil (or portion out into freezer-friendly containers), and it keeps for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture, or bake straight from frozen with a little extra time covered.

Reheating

To get those layers gooey and piping hot again, warm leftover lasagna in a 350°F oven, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out, for 20 to 30 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick lunches; just be sure to cover the slice with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in this Easy Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a great lighter option that mixes well with the egg and Parmesan, giving a creamy texture that holds up beautifully between the layers.

How do I prevent my lasagna from becoming watery?

Be sure to drain your cooked noodles well, and let the finished lasagna rest after baking; this allows excess moisture to be absorbed back into the layers for perfect, sliceable results.

Can this Easy Lasagna Recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the beef and sausage, and instead add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce. You’ll still have an unbelievably satisfying, hearty lasagna.

What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead?

Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate it (unbaked) overnight. When dinner time comes around, just pop it right into the oven—add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is it possible to halve the Easy Lasagna Recipe?

Definitely! Just use an 8×8-inch baking dish and cut all the ingredients by half. You’ll still get those iconic layers and all the cozy flavors, but in a smaller batch—perfect for fewer people or smaller appetites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort meal that’s simple, satisfying, and destined to become a family favorite, you’ve got to give this Easy Lasagna Recipe a try. I promise, every delicious layer makes all the effort totally worth it—happy cooking and even happier eating!

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 Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. Layers of lasagna noodles, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella come together for a comforting baked pasta dish.

Ingredients

Lasagna Noodles:

9 lasagna noodles

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon

Ground Beef:

1 pound

Italian Sausage (optional):

1/2 pound

Onion (diced):

1 small

Garlic (minced):

2 cloves

Marinara or Pasta Sauce:

1 jar (24 ounces)

Ricotta Cheese:

15 ounces

Egg:

1 large

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Parmesan Cheese (grated):

1/4 cup

Mozzarella Cheese (shredded):

2 cups

Parsley (optional, for garnish):

chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
Mix the ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
Layer the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.