Easy Lasagna

When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that will satisfy everyone at the table, this Easy Lasagna is the answer. It’s everything you love about classic lasagna—rich layers of gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles—without the hours of prep time or complicated steps. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, or just want a warm, satisfying dish to enjoy with your family, this lasagna is a total game-changer. Plus, it’s a cinch to make!

Why You’ll Love Easy Lasagna

Simple Ingredients

This recipe keeps things uncomplicated with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. No need to hunt down special items—just the classics that deliver big flavor!

Quick and Easy

No boiling noodles, no long baking times—just layer, bake, and enjoy! This easy version of lasagna takes all the stress out of cooking, so you can focus on enjoying the meal instead.

Comfort Food at Its Best

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe delivers all the warm, cheesy goodness you crave. It’s rich, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Perfect for Leftovers

Like most casseroles, lasagna tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option that you can enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Easy Lasagna:

• Ground Beef: The base for your hearty meat sauce. Ground beef gives that rich, meaty flavor that makes lasagna so satisfying.
• Lasagna Noodles: No need to pre-boil these noodles! You’ll layer them directly into the dish, saving time and effort.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese makes for a luscious filling that balances out the rich meat sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A generous layer of melted mozzarella is key to that melty, cheesy goodness we all love in lasagna.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an added layer of cheesy flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
• Marinara Sauce: A simple store-bought marinara works wonders here, providing all the flavor you need without any fuss.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese and give the filling a firm, creamy texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce and cheese filling.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme gives the dish that authentic Italian taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.

(Note: Exact measurements are included in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this Easy Lasagna:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, you can start prepping your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, add your first layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. Top with a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella) until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 670mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 21g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes

How to Serve Easy Lasagna

• With a Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette makes the perfect complement to the richness of the lasagna.
• With Garlic Bread: Don’t forget the garlic bread! It’s the perfect side to soak up all the saucy goodness left on your plate.
• For Leftovers: This lasagna makes amazing leftovers, so store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
• Freezer-Friendly: Lasagna freezes well! If you want to make a double batch, assemble the lasagna, cover it with plastic wrap, and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? You can layer in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a healthier twist.
• Swap the Meat: If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian, you can skip the ground beef and use a mixture of sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use no-boil noodles?
A1: Yes! No-boil noodles work great for this recipe. They will soften up while baking, and you won’t have to cook them separately.

Q2: How can I make the lasagna less greasy?
A2: Make sure to drain the ground beef well after cooking, and you can also use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A3: Absolutely! You can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or add some provolone or fontina for extra flavor.

Q4: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
A5: Yes! This lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

Q7: Can I make this lasagna without meat?
A7: Yes! You can make a delicious vegetarian lasagna by using a mixture of sautéed vegetables, like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms, or substitute with a plant-based meat alternative.

Q8: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A8: While traditional lasagna noodles are ideal, you can use other pasta shapes, like rigatoni or penne, if you don’t have lasagna noodles. Just layer them similarly.

Q9: How do I know when the lasagna is done?
A9: The lasagna is done when it’s bubbling at the edges, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is melted. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check that it’s heated through to at least 165°F (74°C).

Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: If you like a little heat, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Lasagna is the perfect comfort food to whip up for any occasion. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or making a meal to feed a family, this lasagna will definitely hit the spot. Try it today—you’ll be hooked!

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