Easy Lasagna Recipe

Layers of rich, savory flavors, melting cheeses, and tender pasta sheets define Easy Lasagna Recipe, a comforting classic reimagined for effortless home cooking. This is not a daunting, hours-long project; it’s a streamlined approach to lasagna, delivering all the satisfying goodness of the traditional dish with simplified steps and readily available ingredients. Envision the bubbly, golden-brown top emerging from your oven, releasing an irresistible aroma of tomato sauce, herbs, and cheese, promising a hearty and flavourful meal that is both simple to assemble and deeply rewarding to enjoy. This recipe is your shortcut to lasagna perfection, bringing the warmth and comfort of this Italian-American favorite to your table, ready to be shared with family and friends any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Weeknight-Friendly Comfort Food

Reclaim your weeknights with this incredibly easy and quick Easy Lasagna Recipe. Designed for busy schedules, it significantly cuts down on prep and cooking time compared to traditional lasagna, without sacrificing any of the comforting, classic flavours. Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked lasagna any night of the week, even when time is limited, offering a satisfying and stress-free dinner solution.

Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavour

Appreciate the beauty of simplicity with this streamlined Easy Lasagna Recipe. It minimizes fussy steps and complicated techniques, focusing on straightforward methods and readily available ingredients to deliver maximum flavour with minimal effort. Enjoy a deeply flavourful lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that delicious meals can be both easy and impressive.

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Effortlessly cater to gatherings big or small with this crowd-pleasing Easy Lasagna Recipe. It’s easily scalable, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a larger group. Impress your guests with a hearty and satisfying lasagna that is guaranteed to be a hit, offering a delicious and generous meal that everyone will enjoy.

Versatile and Adaptable to Preferences

Embrace culinary freedom with this wonderfully versatile Easy Lasagna Recipe. It serves as a fantastic template that you can easily customize to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables, different cheeses, or adjust the spice level, this recipe provides a flexible foundation for creating a personalized lasagna masterpiece that perfectly caters to your individual cravings.

Freezer-Friendly for Future Feasts

Simplify future meal planning with this incredibly freezer-friendly Easy Lasagna Recipe. Prepare a whole lasagna or individual portions ahead of time and freeze for convenient meals on busy days. Enjoy the comfort of lasagna whenever you crave it, without the last-minute rush, offering a delicious and time-saving meal prep solution.

Ingredients:

this …

For the Hearty and Flavorful Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey, lean. Ground meat forms the hearty base of the lasagna, providing savory flavour and protein. Ground beef offers classic lasagna flavour, while ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Ensure to use halal certified meat.
• 1 large onion, chopped. Onion forms the aromatic base of the meat sauce, adding depth and savory sweetness as it softens and caramelizes. Yellow or white onions are versatile and provide a balanced flavour foundation. Chop finely for even cooking and to blend seamlessly into the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base flavour, enhancing the overall savory profile of the meat sauce. Freshly minced garlic is preferred for its potent flavour. Mince finely to release its aroma and flavour fully.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, forms the rich and flavorful base of the sauce, providing a slightly chunky texture and classic tomato taste. Crushed tomatoes create a hearty sauce and contribute to the overall saucy consistency of the lasagna. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavour.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, enhances the tomato flavour and adds a smoother consistency to the sauce, creating a richer and more cohesive base. Tomato sauce complements the crushed tomatoes and contributes to a smoother, more unified sauce texture. Use plain tomato sauce without added herbs or seasonings for maximum control over flavour.
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, intensifies the tomato flavour and adds richness and depth to the sauce, creating a concentrated tomato base. Tomato paste provides a concentrated tomato flavour and helps thicken the sauce. Use good quality tomato paste for the best flavour.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, a classic Italian herb that adds a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavour to the sauce. Dried oregano is a staple in Italian cuisine, providing a signature herbaceous note. Use good quality dried oregano for a potent flavour.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, another essential Italian herb that adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavour, complementing the oregano and tomatoes. Dried basil complements the oregano and tomatoes, adding a sweet and aromatic element. Use good quality dried basil for the best flavour.
• ½ teaspoon salt, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavours in the sauce. Salt balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and brings out the savory notes of the herbs and meat. Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground. Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and meat, adding richness and flavour to the sauce, contributing to the authentic Italian character of the dish. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavour and aroma.

For the Creamy and Cheesy Layers

• 15 oz ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim. Ricotta cheese provides a creamy and slightly tangy layer in the lasagna, adding richness and texture. Whole milk ricotta is richer and creamier, while part-skim is a slightly lighter option. Use good quality ricotta cheese for the best flavour and texture.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, part-skim or whole milk. Mozzarella cheese provides the classic melty and gooey cheese layer in lasagna, adding a mild, milky flavour and satisfying stretch. Part-skim mozzarella is a slightly lighter option, while whole milk mozzarella is richer and meltier. Use good quality mozzarella cheese for the best melting and flavour.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavour to the cheese layers and the topping, contributing to the overall depth of flavour. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavour and texture. Use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best results.
• 1 fresh egg, large. Egg binds the ricotta cheese mixture together, helping it set and preventing it from being too watery. Egg is essential for binding the ricotta mixture and creating a cohesive layer. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness to the ricotta mixture, balancing the richness of the cheese. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavour and visual appeal to the ricotta layer.

For the Lasagna Structure

• 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles, also known as no-boil lasagna noodles. Oven-ready lasagna noodles simplify the lasagna assembly process, eliminating the need for pre-boiling. Oven-ready noodles are convenient and save time, making this an easy lasagna recipe. Use good quality oven-ready lasagna noodles for best results.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe ?

Step 1: Prepare the Hearty Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a large pot to accommodate all sauce ingredients.

Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing onions first releases their sweetness and mellows their flavour, creating a flavourful base.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Garlic should be added after onions to prevent burning and to preserve its aroma.

Add ground beef or ground turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Cook meat until no longer pink and broken into small crumbles.

Drain off any excess fat from the pot. Draining excess fat prevents the sauce from being greasy.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Add all sauce ingredients and stir to combine, ensuring meat is evenly coated.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Simmering sauce allows the flavours to meld and deepen, creating a richer and more complex sauce. Longer simmering time enhances flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Combine all cheese mixture ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.

Stir well to combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Mix until smooth and well combined, ensuring egg is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Easy Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing baking dish prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of baked lasagna.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Start with a layer of meat sauce to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom and to provide a moist base.

Top with 3 oven-ready lasagna noodles, overlapping as needed to fit the dish. Arrange lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce, overlapping as necessary to cover the bottom of the dish.

Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Spread ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, creating a creamy cheese layer.

Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture. Spoon meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer, creating another layer of flavour.

Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.

Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering process, using remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Top with remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Covering with foil prevents the top from browning too quickly and helps the lasagna cook evenly.

Bake for 25 minutes, covered. Bake covered for initial cooking and to allow the lasagna to steam and cook through.

Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Remove foil and bake uncovered to allow the cheese to melt and brown and the top to become golden and bubbly. Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven.

Let the baked Easy Lasagna Recipe rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the lasagna to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve, and prevents the filling from being too runny.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Cut the rested Easy Lasagna Recipe into squares or rectangles. Slice into desired portions using a sharp knife or lasagna server.

Serve warm and enjoy each cheesy, flavorful slice. Serve warm for the best flavour and texture.

Tips for Variations:

Vegetable Packed Lasagna

Add layers of sautéed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the lasagna for a more nutritious and flavourful vegetarian option. Layer sautéed or roasted vegetables between the meat sauce and cheese layers for added flavour, texture, and nutrients.

Spicy Italian Kick

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ricotta mixture for a touch of heat. Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper add a spicy kick to the lasagna, catering to those who prefer a spicier flavour profile.

Creamy Bechamel Layer

Enhance the richness and creaminess by adding a layer of bechamel sauce between the meat sauce and cheese layers. Bechamel sauce adds a luxurious creamy layer and enhances the overall richness of the lasagna. Prepare bechamel sauce separately and layer it in during assembly.

Different Cheese Combinations

Experiment with different cheese combinations like using provolone cheese slices or adding fontina cheese to the cheese layers for varied flavour profiles. Explore different cheese combinations to customize the flavour and texture of the lasagna.

Herbaceous Freshness Boost

Incorporate fresh herbs like fresh basil leaves, oregano leaves, or thyme sprigs between the layers for added aroma and flavour. Fresh herbs layered throughout the lasagna add a burst of fresh flavour and aroma. Place fresh herb leaves between layers during assembly.

Serving Suggestions:

Garlic Bread Classic

Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a comforting carbohydrate side. Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to lasagna, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.

Caesar Salad Side

Pair Easy Lasagna Recipe with a crisp and refreshing Caesar salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty lasagna.

Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli

Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli for a simple and healthy vegetable side dish. Roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and a different textural element to the meal.

Italian Green Bean Salad

Accompany Easy Lasagna Recipe with a vibrant Italian green bean salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a light and refreshing side. Italian green bean salad offers a bright and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the lasagna.

Red Wine Pairing

Enjoy Easy Lasagna Recipe with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, for a classic Italian-American pairing. Red wine complements the rich tomato sauce and savory flavours of the lasagna, enhancing the dining experience.

FAQ

Can I use fresh lasagna noodles?

Yes, you can use fresh lasagna noodles. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly as fresh noodles may cook faster. Follow package directions for boiling fresh noodles if necessary, or use no-boil fresh lasagna sheets.

Do I need to boil oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Oven-ready lasagna noodles are designed to be used without pre-boiling, making this an easy lasagna recipe. Do not boil oven-ready noodles; use them directly from the package for layering.

How do I prevent lasagna from being watery?

Ensure you drain excess fat from the meat sauce and do not add too much liquid to the sauce. Also, ensure the ricotta cheese is not too watery; drain excess liquid if necessary. Simmering the meat sauce for a sufficient time also helps reduce excess liquid.

How long does Easy Lasagna Recipe stay fresh?

Easy Lasagna Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Reheat leftovers thoroughly to ensure food safety and best texture.

Can I freeze Easy Lasagna Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze Easy Lasagna Recipe, baked or unbaked. For best results, freeze baked lasagna after it has cooled completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Print