Here’s a straightforward, no-fuss lasagna recipe that layers rich, meaty sauce with creamy ricotta and lots of melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners!
Easy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or cooked regular noodles)
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup), and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with 3-4 lasagna noodles, overlapping if necessary. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce) twice more, ending with a final layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
This easy lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers. Enjoy!