Easy Lasagna Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, lasagna is a versatile dish that fits the bill. 

This recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor, making it a go-to for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, cooked per package instructions)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Lay 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.

4. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce.

5. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

6. Top the final layer with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking).

2. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Lasagna:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your lasagna heavily depends on the quality of your marinara sauce and cheese. Opt for good brands or make your marinara sauce from scratch if you have time.

2. Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.

3. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie boost. You can also swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.

4. Make It Ahead: Lasagna is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it an additional 10-15 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.

5. Freezing: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs About Lasagna

1. Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles? Yes! Oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles save time and work well in this recipe. Just ensure there’s enough sauce to keep them moist during baking.

2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese is a great alternative to ricotta. Blend it slightly for a smoother texture, if desired.

3. How do I avoid watery lasagna? To prevent watery lasagna, drain excess fat from the meat and avoid adding too much liquid. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them beforehand to reduce their water content.

4. Can I make a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Skip the meat and double up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add a layer of lentils for added protein.

5. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger servings in the oven.

6. What’s the best way to reheat lasagna? Reheat lasagna in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. For quicker reheating, use the microwave.

7. Can I use gluten-free noodles? Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles work well in this recipe. Be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results.

Why This Recipe Stands Out:

This easy lasagna recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. With a hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the flexibility to customize it to your preferences ensures it fits any dietary needs or ingredient availability. Try this recipe tonight and experience the joy of homemade lasagna without the hassle!