Easy Lasagna Recipe

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Lasagna is one of those comfort meals that always hits the spot. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of bubbling cheese, herby tomato sauce, and rich beef—each layer soaking up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather people around the table, even on the busiest weeknight.

What I love most about this easy lasagna recipe is how simple it is to put together without sacrificing any of that classic, cozy taste. Whether it’s your first time making lasagna or you’re a seasoned pro, this version keeps things stress-free and delicious. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients—just hearty layers and melty goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe

This lasagna hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, meaty, cheesy, and beautifully layered. The beauty lies in its simplicity—no-boil noodles save time, and the meat sauce is rich but quick. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve at a dinner party. And best of all, it makes amazing leftovers.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Lasagna?

For this easy version, I swear by oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles. They cook right in the sauce while baking, absorbing all that flavor and saving you a whole extra step. If you only have traditional noodles, you can pre-boil them and still follow this recipe, but oven-ready keeps it truly easy.

Options for Substitutions

• Ground Meat: You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Cheese: Ricotta can be swapped with cottage cheese for a lighter twist.
• Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara works great, but you can also use homemade sauce if you have extra time.
• Noodles: Gluten-free lasagna noodles are a solid choice if you need a GF version.
• Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrition.

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Ingredients for This Easy Lasagna Recipe

• Ground beef: Adds savory depth and richness to the sauce, creating the hearty foundation of the lasagna.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics bring bold, mouthwatering flavor to the meat mixture.
• Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes: Form the tangy, rich base of the lasagna sauce, perfectly coating every layer.
• Italian seasoning and salt: Bring the entire dish to life with a balance of herby, savory flavor.
• Ricotta cheese: Provides that signature creamy layer and balances the boldness of the sauce.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture, ensuring it stays firm and creamy while baking.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that irresistibly stretchy, gooey topping everyone craves.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the top layer.
• Oven-ready lasagna noodles: Make this dish quick and easy by cutting out the boiling step.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and freshness.

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Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until the meat is fully browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld into a rich, hearty sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a handful of chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. This forms the creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the meat sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a large baking dish, start with a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of oven-ready noodles, followed by more meat sauce, a spread of ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with a final spread of meat sauce and topping it with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the layers set.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time

Prepping this lasagna takes around 20–25 minutes. That includes browning the meat, mixing the ricotta filling, and layering the lasagna. Thanks to oven-ready noodles, there’s no need to boil pasta, which cuts down on prep time significantly.

Cook Time

Once assembled, the lasagna bakes for 40–45 minutes total. You’ll want to bake it covered for the first 25 minutes to help cook everything evenly and prevent the cheese from burning. The last 15–20 minutes uncovered gives the cheese that golden, bubbly finish.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Lasagna

• Use oven-ready noodles to simplify the process.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing; this keeps the layers intact.
• Grate your mozzarella and Parmesan fresh—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Mix the ricotta filling well to avoid clumps.
• Use a deep baking dish to avoid bubbling over in the oven.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the rest period: Cutting into hot lasagna right away makes it fall apart.
• Over-saucing: Too much sauce makes the lasagna watery.
• Undercooking: Make sure the center is hot and the cheese fully melted.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye during the last 15 minutes—burnt cheese is tough and bitter.
• Forgetting to cover with foil initially: This can dry out the top too early.

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What to Serve With Easy Lasagna?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons balance the richness of the lasagna.

3. Roasted Vegetables

A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds color and nutrition.

4. Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs beautifully.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

Great for chilly nights and complements the tomato base of the lasagna.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating

Once cooled, cover leftover lasagna tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual slices.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 20–30 extra minutes to the cook time. You can also freeze baked lasagna in portions for easy weeknight dinners.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Use oven-ready noodles and don’t overdo it with sauce. Letting it rest after baking also helps.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bake when ready.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes! Individual portions freeze well. Just wrap tightly and label. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a great alternative. It’s lighter and still provides a creamy layer.

How do I reheat lasagna without drying it out?

Cover it with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F. Add a splash of sauce if needed to keep it moist.

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Conclusion

This easy lasagna recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s layered with flavor, requires no fancy techniques, and delivers that classic cheesy, meaty bite every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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