Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Lasagna Noodles: 12 noodles Ground Beef Mixture: 1 pound ground beef, ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce Cheese Mixture: 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a warm, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table, look no further than this Easy Lasagna Recipe. With layers of tender noodles, flavorful meats, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a tried-and-true favorite that’s every bit as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re new to lasagna or just want something delicious without the fuss, you’ll love how quickly this comes together—and how it fills your kitchen with that irresistible, classic Italian-American aroma.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Easy Lasagna Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component has a job to do, from adding richness and depth to providing that signature melty cheese pull. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it matters.

Lasagna noodles: These wide, sturdy pasta sheets are the backbone of each delicious layer and hold everything together beautifully.
Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and makes for a robust filling that soaks up all the sauce.
Italian sausage (casings removed): Infuses the dish with a hint of spice and authentic Italian flair—don’t skip this for extra depth!
Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and texture that balances the richness of the meats.
Garlic, minced: Just a couple cloves wake up all the flavors and give a fragrant punch.
Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): Opt for your favorite, since this sauce ties the whole lasagna together; homemade or store-bought both work great.
Ricotta cheese: The secret to creamy layers that contrast perfectly with the heartier elements.
Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so your layers stay put when serving.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to that irresistibly gooey, stretchy topping everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty pop to every bite—sprinkle generously on the final layer.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic herbal notes, rounding out the flavor with ease.
Salt: Season each layer, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Black pepper: Just a touch gives the cheese mixture a little warmth and complexity.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish, totally optional but highly recommended for presentation.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente—this way, they’ll soak up just enough sauce in the oven without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a towel, so they don’t stick together as you prepare the fillings.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until everything is browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one minute more, letting the aroma bloom. Then, drain off any excess fat and pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it all simmer gently for five minutes, so the flavors meld into that rich, comforting sauce you crave from an Easy Lasagna Recipe.

Step 3: Mix Up the Ricotta

In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, large egg, salt, and black pepper. This creamy mixture makes the lasagna luxuriously tender between the pasta and sauce, and the egg helps everything hold together when sliced.

Step 4: Assemble Your Easy Lasagna Recipe

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer on 4 cooked noodles, followed by a third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan. Keep layering—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—until you’ve used everything up, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and the remaining cheeses on top. This layering is what gives your Easy Lasagna Recipe its signature strata of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover your dish snugly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil, letting the cheese brown and bubble for another 15 minutes uncovered. When your kitchen smells like heaven and the top is golden and gooey, you’ll know it’s ready. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this is the hardest part, but it lets everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of color and a little fresh flavor, sprinkle your finished lasagna with chopped fresh parsley. It adds a simple but beautiful finishing touch, especially when you’re serving guests or bringing the dish to a potluck.

Side Dishes

This Easy Lasagna Recipe is plenty hearty on its own, but it shines a little brighter alongside a simple green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted veggies. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your family or friends, try slicing the lasagna into neat squares and stacking them on a platter, or serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets. For a playful twist, use a round dish and cut the lasagna into wedges, pizza-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Lasagna Recipe keeps brilliantly in the fridge. Just cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container, and it’ll stay delicious for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead? Assemble your lasagna, cover well with foil, and freeze either the whole dish or individual portions. It’ll keep for three months and makes an awesome freezer-to-oven meal when your schedule gets busy.

Reheating

Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling, or microwave individual slices for speedy leftovers. If reheating from frozen, just extend baking time and keep it covered until heated through, then uncover for a few minutes to let the top get melty again.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles for this Easy Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time and make sure there’s plenty of sauce so the noodles soften up perfectly.

Can I swap out the meats or make this vegetarian?

Of course! You can use all beef, all sausage, ground turkey, or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a tasty vegetarian version. The Easy Lasagna Recipe is super flexible.

What’s the best way to prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure to drain your cooked noodles well and simmer your meat sauce until thickened. Letting the lasagna rest before slicing also helps everything stay together, instead of sliding around on your plate.

Can I assemble Easy Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?

Yes—assembling it a day ahead actually lets the flavors mingle and gives you extra free time on busy days. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready.

How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Spray the underside of your aluminum foil lightly with nonstick spray before covering the lasagna, and you won’t lose a single, precious shred of topping!

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got all the tips, tricks, and steps, it’s time to dive in and try this Easy Lasagna Recipe for yourself. Every time I pull it out of the oven, I’m reminded why it’s a classic—crowd-pleasing, cozy, utterly irresistible, and always worth making. Enjoy every delicious layer!

Easy Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a classic favorite made with layers of lasagna noodles, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Lasagna Noodles:

12 noodles

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef, ½ pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Cheese Mixture:

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the noodles: Boil lasagna noodles, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: Cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Add marinara sauce and seasoning.
Mix the cheese: Combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Assemble the lasagna: Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and cheeses in a baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.