Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a classic weeknight dinner that’s comforting, cheesy, and absolutely mouthwatering, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is here to save the day. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a family favorite for everything from Sunday dinner to potlucks. Plus, it’s super simple to put together with pantry staples. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Quick prep and no fancy ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-pleaser—ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
- Rich, cheesy layers deliver maximum comfort and flavor in every bite.
- Leftovers taste even better, making lunch the next day a treat.
- Customizable—swap out meats or cheeses to fit your taste buds.
Easy Lasagna Recipe Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces (450g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions (usually 9-10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce. Top with one-third of the ricotta mixture and one cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce). Finish with noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving for neat layers.
Easy Lasagna Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- If using no-boil noodles, check packaging for adjustments and add an extra splash of sauce for moisture (Serious Eats: No-Boil Lasagna Noodles).
- You can make the meat sauce a day ahead for even richer flavor.
Easy Lasagna Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Swap meat for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles—see tips at Cooking Light.
- Extra Cheesy Lasagna: Add layers of provolone or fontina cheese for richness.
Required Equipment for Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Foil
- Spatula or spoon
Easy Lasagna Recipe Storage Instructions
Let lasagna cool completely. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a classic Italian meal.
- Pair with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.
- Roasted vegetables make a healthy and tasty side.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing for tidy, beautiful layers (Bon Appétit: Why Let Lasagna Rest?).
- Spread sauce thinly on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for ultimate melt and flavor.
Easy Lasagna Recipe FAQ
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, lasagna freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping and freezing.
- How do I keep lasagna from being watery?
- Let it rest after baking and use a thick, well-simmered sauce to prevent excess moisture.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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3In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
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4Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread with half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
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5Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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6Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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