If there’s one dish that has the power to bring everyone running to the table, it’s this Easy Lasagna Recipe. With layers of tender noodles, a rich meaty sauce, and plenty of gooey, golden cheese, this classic Italian comfort food is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a joy to prep on busy weeknights or for a special Sunday dinner. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning ahead for leftovers, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is the hero of hearty home cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward, using simple but essential ingredients that blend together for ultimate comfort and satisfaction. Each item plays its part in creating the savory, cheesy, and perfectly layered lasagna we all crave.
- Lasagna noodles: Use regular or no-boil noodles; they provide the sturdy, chewy layers that hold everything together.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty protein to the sauce; feel free to swap with ground turkey or sausage for a twist.
- Onion: Chopped small to melt into the sauce, lending a natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced for a bold, aromatic kick that’s unmistakable in Italian dishes.
- Tomato sauce: The base of your lasagna’s robust, tangy sauce; use your favorite brand for best results.
- Dried basil: Delivers that classic Italian herb flavor, brightening up the tomato sauce.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a hint of familiar pizza-like taste.
- Salt: Essential to season all layers, bringing out every ingredient’s flavor.
- Black pepper: For a gentle warmth and subtle sharpness that enhances the sauce.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the soft, rich layer inside your lasagna.
- Egg: Mixed with ricotta to give it structure and a fluffy texture when baked.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The main melt factor; turns bubbly and golden for that irresistible lasagna top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the top with extra savory flavor and a gorgeous cheesy crust.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by turning on your oven to 375°F so it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients and set out a large pot to boil the lasagna noodles. Having everything lined up will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil your lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until just al dente. Drain carefully, then lay the noodles out flat on a clean surface or drizzle with a bit of olive oil to keep them from sticking together as you prepare the other layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until everything is browned and fragrant. Carefully drain the excess fat, then stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors have time to meld together and deepen.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the egg, mixing until smooth. This creamy mixture will add a pillowy richness to every bite of your Easy Lasagna Recipe. If you like, add a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage to bring out the cheese’s natural flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Lasagna
Now for the fun part! Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and ensures every slice is saucy. Lay three noodles lengthwise over the sauce. Dollop and spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella. Add a hearty spoonful of meat sauce on top, and repeat the layers two more times. For the grand finale, top your final layer with the remaining meat sauce, a good blanket of mozzarella, and a shower of grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your pan with foil (to keep the cheese from getting too browned too quickly), and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns gorgeously golden on top. When the aroma starts filling your kitchen, you’ll know you’re almost there!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This small (but crucial) step makes sure all those layers stay beautifully intact, and the Easy Lasagna Recipe holds together on the plate. Now, dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top brings a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness that really livens up the lasagna. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a grind of black pepper right before serving can also be just the touch that makes each bite feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar. Some warm garlic bread to mop up extra sauce is always a crowd-pleaser, and steamed or roasted vegetables add a healthy balance to your plate. Keep sides light and fresh so the lasagna remains the shining star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this Easy Lasagna Recipe feel extra-special for a gathering, try serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. For a family-style dinner, offer a toppings “bar” with extra Parmesan, chopped herbs, and chili flakes. You can even cut the lasagna into bite-sized pieces and skewer them for a party appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—lucky you! Let the lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer slices into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and you’ll have a quick and delicious meal ready for busy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
One of the best things about this Easy Lasagna Recipe is how well it freezes. Assemble the lasagna and, instead of baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. You can also freeze baked leftovers; just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For single servings, the microwave works wonders—just cover loosely and heat until warmed through. To reheat the whole pan, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 25-30 minutes). If you like the top extra crisp, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or a mix of roasted vegetables. Just keep an eye on liquid content to avoid a watery lasagna.
What’s the best way to keep the noodles from sticking together?
Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet, separating each noodle with a little drizzle of olive oil or parchment paper. This keeps them smooth and easy to layer.
Can I prepare this Easy Lasagna Recipe ahead and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the unbaked lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
What’s the difference between ricotta and cottage cheese in lasagna?
Ricotta yields a smoother and richer texture, which is classic for lasagna. If you like a lighter filling, cottage cheese works in a pinch, but the end result will be slightly different in flavor and texture.
How do I keep my lasagna from coming out runny?
Be sure to let it rest after baking—this helps everything set! Also, simmer your meat sauce until it’s thick, and don’t overdo the sauce between layers. These tips help guarantee a picture-perfect Easy Lasagna Recipe every time.
Final Thoughts
Layers of flavor, bubbling cheese, and cozy vibes—this Easy Lasagna Recipe checks all the boxes for a meal that brings everyone together. If you’ve never tried making lasagna from scratch before, now’s your moment! Just follow the simple steps above and you’re in for a treat. Give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite at your table.
Print
Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a classic Italian favorite that is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese come together to create a delicious baked pasta dish.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
9 lasagna noodles
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 3 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese Layers:
15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg until smooth.
- Layer lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan, repeating the layers. Top with remaining meat sauce and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
