Easy Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a comforting, layered classic that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough for a family gathering. Made with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it delivers hearty, homemade flavor without complicated steps. It’s a one-dish meal that will quickly become a go-to favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

this Recipe

lasagna noodlesground beef or Italian sausageoniongarlicclovesolive oiltomato sauce or marinara saucetomato pastadried basil and oreganosalt and pepperricotta cheeseeggmozzarella cheeseparmesan cheese

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with one egg and a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

Layer 3-4 noodles over the sauce, then spread with ricotta mixture, followed by more meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan.

Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of noodles, sauce, and cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 40-45 minutesResting time: 10-15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.

Add spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra vegetables.

Use no-boil noodles to skip the boiling step.

Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding zucchini or eggplant.

Try a white sauce (béchamel) instead of tomato sauce for a creamy version.

storage/reheating

Store lasagna tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave slices until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Should I cover lasagna while baking?

Yes, cover with foil to prevent drying, then uncover near the end to brown the cheese.

Can I freeze unbaked lasagna?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What’s the best cheese combination?

Mozzarella for meltiness, ricotta for creaminess, and parmesan for flavor.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

Only if you’re using traditional noodles. No-boil noodles save time.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, a good quality marinara works well to simplify the recipe.

How do I keep lasagna from being watery?

Drain meat well, and don’t use too much sauce or overly wet ricotta.

Can I use other meats?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.

Why does lasagna need to rest before serving?

Resting helps it set and slice cleanly without falling apart.

What sides go well with lasagna?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

This Easy Lasagna Recipe brings all the flavor and comfort of traditional lasagna with a simpler, more streamlined process. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, it’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to be requested again and again. Make it once, and it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.

Print