Easy Lasagna Recipe

I’m beyond thrilled to share this incredible Easy Lasagna Recipe that has won over hearts (and stomachs) in my kitchen time and again. This dish nails the cozy comfort of bubbling cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly tender noodles layered into a hearty casserole you can proudly serve any day of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this lasagna brings the best of Italian home cooking to your table without requiring a culinary degree. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises layers of flavor and warmth in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Easy Lasagna Recipe shine. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory meat sauce to the creamy cheese filling—ensuring every forkful delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes lasagna so irresistible.

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Provides a rich, hearty base for the meat sauce with classic beef flavor.
• Sweet Italian Sausage (1/2 lb): Adds a touch of spice and depth to the sauce, making it more robust.
• Minced Garlic (1 tsp): Brings aromatic, savory notes that elevate the meat sauce.
• Prepared Spaghetti Sauce (48 oz): The tomato base that ties the meat and herbs together with vibrant color and tang.
• Ricotta Cheese (15 oz): Creates a rich, creamy layer in the cheese filling, balancing the savory sauce.
• Large Eggs (2): Help bind the cheese mixture for smooth, even layering.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (3 cups total): Melts beautifully across layers for gooey, cheesy indulgence.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup total): Adds salty, nutty complexity and a golden crust on top.
• Dried or Fresh Parsley (2 tsp dried or 4 tbsp fresh): Brings a pop of fresh herbaceous flavor to brighten the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper (1/4 tsp each): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Uncooked Lasagna Noodles (12): The sturdy, tender layers that soak up sauce and carry the whole dish.
• Water (1/4 cup, optional): Used to loosen thick sauce and help the noodles cook perfectly during baking.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by getting your oven hot and ready at 350ºF. Spritz a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray so your beautiful lasagna won’t stick when it’s all done cooking. This simple prep sets you up for easy assembly and a flawless bake.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage together, breaking them up nicely as they cook. Drain off any excess fat for a leaner sauce. Then toss in the minced garlic and pour in that luscious prepared spaghetti sauce. If your sauce is thick or chunky, adding up to 1/4 cup water helps it loosen just right for soaking those noodles later. Let it simmer for about five minutes so all those flavors get cozy and blended.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

While your sauce simmers, grab a big bowl and combine the ricotta (or cottage cheese if you prefer), shredded mozzarella, eggs, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until creamy and smooth. Using fresh parsley here really lifts the flavor with a little herbaceous brightness, but dried parsley works beautifully too.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part—building your lasagna masterpiece. Spread about 3/4 cup of meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared dish. Then lay down 3 uncooked noodles side-by-side. Next, spoon and spread a third of your cheese mixture evenly atop the noodles. Add a quarter of the remaining meat sauce on top of the cheese. Repeat this layering sequence—noodles, cheese, sauce—two more times to build rich, stacked goodness. Finish with a final layer of noodles, smother them in all the leftover sauce, then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If your sauce was on the thick side, pour that quarter cup of water around the edges now to help the noodles soften as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray to avoid sticking, and cover your lasagna with it, sprayed side down. This little trick keeps the cheese from clinging while baking. Pop it in the oven for 50 minutes. Then, pull off the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For that irresistible lightly crisp and browned topping, a quick broil for a few minutes at the end will do wonders!

Step 6: Let it Rest Before Serving

Patience pays off here—once out of the oven, let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes. This rest time allows everything to settle and firm up, making slice serving neat, easy, and just so satisfying to dish out. Trust me, your lasagna slices will look like they came straight from a restaurant.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your lasagna with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or extra parsley to add a burst of green vibrancy and fresh herbal aroma. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese right before serving also adds a lovely salty finish.

Side Dishes

This hearty Easy Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and cheese, turning your meal into a comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, consider layering your lasagna into individual ramekins for personalized portions that look beautiful and feel special. Or bake the entire lasagna the day before and reheat it to bring out all those melded flavors. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also spice up your presentation and taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious meal again without hassle.

Freezing

This Easy Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with foil and a layer of plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It can hang out for up to 3 months, perfect for saving for future busy nights or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge. Warm individual slices in the microwave or bake the whole dish at 350ºF covered with foil until heated through. Removing the foil at the end helps refresh that gooey, bubbly cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles work perfectly with this recipe since you add a bit of water and the sauce is nice and saucy, allowing the noodles to cook up tender while baking.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese makes a great substitute for ricotta and is often used in lasagna for a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to blend it well to get that smooth consistency.

Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach or plant-based meat alternatives. Use your favorite marinara sauce to keep that rich tomato flavor.

How long does it take to bake lasagna?

This recipe takes about 50 minutes covered with foil plus another 10 minutes uncovered to get that beautifully browned cheese top.

Can I prepare lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake it when you’re ready. This makes dinner prep super simple and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like pulling a golden, bubbly pan of homemade lasagna from the oven, and this Easy Lasagna Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that anyone can make. Its straightforward steps and accessible ingredients make it my go-to when I want to share something comforting and delicious with friends or family. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your favorite lasagna too!

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