Ah, lasagna! Just saying the word brings back warm memories of Sundays spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would effortlessly layer sheets of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese into a dish that would feed a whole crowd. The smell would fill the house, cozy and inviting, making everyone gather around the dining table, eager to dig in. I think that’s why this Easy Lasagna Recipe holds such a special place in my heart—it’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner after a long week.

Today, I’m excited to share my version of lasagna with you. It’s simple, delicious, and just like Grandma used to make, but with a few shortcuts that fit our busy lives. Are you ready to create a dish that will have everyone begging for seconds? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Perfectly manageable for any day of the week—just assemble and bake!
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients means you won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: It’s a dish that brings warmth and happiness with every bite.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Family Approved: Kids and adults will love it; it’s a win-win!

Ingredients

Now, let’s gather our ingredients! You won’t need anything fancy here—just good, wholesome staples that come together beautifully.

• 9 lasagna noodles (you can use oven-ready or traditional)
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix for extra flavor)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a few fresh leaves, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic adds more punch!)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, my friend, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering lasagna ready in no time.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente. This gives them the perfect texture for layering. If you’re using oven-ready noodles, skip this step!
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and add in your dried basil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those lovely flavors to meld together.
4. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. This creamy mix is about to make your lasagna even more delicious!
5. Layer It Up: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Next, layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Carefully spread half of the ricotta mixture on the noodles, followed by a layer of the mozzarella cheese, then more meat sauce. Repeat the layers until you finish with noodles topped with meat sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan cheese. Aim for at least three complete layers for that gooey goodness!
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, try to avoid touching the cheese with the foil). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point, trust me!
7. Let It Rest: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you have the classic Easy Lasagna Recipe down, here are some fun twists you can try! Cooking should be joyful and creative, after all.

• Veggie Lovers: Swap in layers of sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a lighter version. You can even use a mix of cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, or feta for a flavorful spin.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat, or layer in some jalapeños for fun!
• Herbes de Provence: Give it a more aromatic touch by mixing dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the sauce.
• Cheese Galore: Mix in additional cheeses like gouda or fontina for an even richer filling. Who can resist gooey cheese?

Serving Suggestions

The only thing better than a slice of this Easy Lasagna is what you serve it with! Here are a few suggestions to create a cozy meal:

• Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Salad: A bright, crunchy salad with your favorite dressing balances out the richness of the lasagna nicely.
• Wine: Pair it with a glass of red wine for a comforting Italian vibe!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Lasagna keeps well. Here’s how to store it without losing any flavor:

• Refrigerating: Allow the lasagna to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze it for later. Just assemble it all but do not bake. Wrap tightly before freezing. When you’re ready, simply bake it right from the freezer (just adjust the cooking time a bit)!
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. You might want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that delightful melty cheese effect!

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles are a fantastic option that saves you a step. Just layer them straight into your dish without pre-cooking, and make sure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist as they bake.

Can I make lasagna in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a twist. Just blend them until smooth for that classic lasagna creaminess!

Conclusion

And there you have it, the ultimate Easy Lasagna Recipe that’s sure to charm your family and friends with every bite! I can’t wait for you to try this dish. It’s perfect for making new memories, just like my grandmother did. If you give this a whirl, please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!

Ultimate Easy Lasagna Recipe Savory Quick Family Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Savor a quick delicious lasagna that delights the whole family Try this ultimate easy recipe for a stressfree mealtime favorite 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

9 lasagna noodles (you can use oven-ready or traditional)

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

2 cups marinara sauce

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook regular lasagna noodles until al dente.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the meat until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add marinara sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.

In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and repeat until finished. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden brown.

Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

A comforting and easy lasagna recipe reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, Italian dinner, comfort food