Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Recipe delivers all the classic comfort of traditional lasagna with a simplified method perfect for busy weeknights. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender noodles, it’s a family favorite that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make ahead or freeze for later.

ingredients

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

lasagna noodlesground beefoniongarlicmarinara saucesaltpepperricotta cheeseggparmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheeseolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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

Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and grated parmesan until smooth.

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

Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.

Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a twist.

Add spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.

Top with fresh basil for added flavor.

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes in the meat sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes, just ensure your sauce is slightly more liquid to cook the noodles properly in the oven.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready.

What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

A mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze unbaked lasagna?

Yes, assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, covered, then uncover and bake for 20 minutes.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure to drain the meat well and avoid overly wet sauce or vegetables.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a mix of cottage cheese and cream cheese works well.

Can I add more layers?

Yes, just use a deeper dish and adjust baking time if needed.

How do I keep the top from burning?

Cover with foil for most of the bake time and remove it only in the last 15 minutes.

Why let lasagna rest before cutting?

Resting helps it firm up, making cleaner slices and better texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With its rich layers and satisfying flavors, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Make it once, and it will become a regular in your recipe rotation.