Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of a classic Italian dish without the complexity. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. It’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

ingredients

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

lasagna noodlesground beef or Italian sausagetomato sauceoniongarlicricotta cheesemozzarella cheeseparmesan cheeseeggdried basiloreganoolive oilsaltpepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

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

Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg and a bit of salt.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.

Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

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

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 40-45 minutesResting time: 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes

Variations

Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time.

Add spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper to the sauce.

Use a mix of beef and sausage for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.You can freeze cooked lasagna for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

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

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, a good-quality jarred tomato or marinara sauce works well.

Do I have to cook the noodles first?

If using regular noodles, yes. No-boil noodles can be used without pre-cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the meat and use vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

How do I keep lasagna from getting watery?

Drain meat well and avoid too much sauce or overly watery ricotta.

Why does lasagna need to rest?

Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, wrap them tightly for easy, grab-and-go meals.

Is it okay to skip the egg in the ricotta mixture?

Yes, but the egg helps bind the cheese layer.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or make two pans for later.

Conclusion

This Easy Lasagna Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for family meals or feeding a crowd—one bite and it’s bound to be a favorite.