Easy Lasagna Recipe
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If you’ve ever been craving a classic comfort food that brings the whole family together, you’re in the right place. This Easy Lasagna Recipe is the perfect balance of rich, hearty meat sauce layered with creamy cheese and tender noodles, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, transforming everyday ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm, homemade hug. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a satisfying and delicious Italian feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Lasagna Recipe plays a vital role in building flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so irresistible. From savory meats to fragrant herbs and luscious cheeses, these ingredients come together to create harmony in every bite.
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful, slightly sweet richness to the meat sauce.
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty bulk and classic meaty texture.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the robust tomato base that’s tangy and fresh.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth body and helps create that luscious sauce texture.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, making it beautifully rich.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of freshness amid the hearty flavors.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Brings classic Italian herbal notes that tie the sauce together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant medley of herbs to deepen the flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional): Gives a subtle, aromatic twist reminiscent of traditional Italian sausage.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into balance.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese): Creates creamy layers that contrast the savory meat sauce perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten: Helps bind the cheese mixture for sturdy, luscious layers.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Folded into the cheese, it brightens and freshens each bite.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Complements the cheese mixture for enhanced flavor.
- 12 lasagna noodles: The backbone of the dish, providing structure and comforting chewiness.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to deliver gooey, irresistible cheesiness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish that browns wonderfully.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, diced onions, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is nicely browned and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—that helps keep your sauce rich but not greasy. This is the heart of your lasagna, where those deep, savory flavors begin developing.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Once your meat mixture is browned, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer uncovered for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring every now and then. This slow simmer is where the flavors meld into a luscious, hearty sauce that will make every layer sing.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While your sauce thickens into perfection, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and spread them out on a sheet or tray to prevent sticking. These noodles provide the sturdy yet tender foundation your layers need.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend ricotta cheese, the beaten egg, fresh parsley, and salt until well combined. This creamy mixture will soften the layers and add that luscious, cheesy contrast to the rich meat sauce. It also helps give the lasagna structure when baked.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spreading a thin layer of your meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents the noodles from sticking. Lay 4 cooked noodles over the sauce, then spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella and a handful of Parmesan over the ricotta layer. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped generously with Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake it for 25 minutes, letting everything meld together and the cheese start to bubble. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. The anticipation is half the fun here—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let your lasagna rest for 15 minutes—it helps all those delicious layers set nicely, making it easier to cut neat servings and ensuring every bite stays perfectly layered and satisfying.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled over the top add a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper can elevate the experience further. These little touches make your lasagna look as amazing as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with crisp green salads topped with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal and helps scoop up any leftover sauce. Pairing your Easy Lasagna Recipe with the right sides ensures a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions that feel special. Or layer it in glass baking dishes to showcase those stunning, beautiful layers through the sides. Turning this classic into a lasagna trifle or even skillet lasagna cups can add some fun variety while keeping the same hearty flavors everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready, slice portions and reheat gently for an enjoyable, hassle-free meal the next night.
Freezing
This Easy Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble your lasagna but don’t bake it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. This makes meal prep a breeze for busy weeks ahead.
Reheating
To reheat either refrigerated or thawed lasagna, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven preserves the texture and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the meat with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian twist without sacrificing flavor.
What type of cheese works best?
Ricotta is traditional for the creamy layers, but cottage cheese can be a lighter substitute. Mozzarella provides the gooey melt, and Parmesan adds that nutty, savory finish. Using fresh cheeses will always boost flavor here.
Do I need to boil the noodles before layering?
Yes, boiling the noodles ensures they become tender and pliable for layering. However, no-boil noodles are an option if you adjust the sauce to be a bit more liquidy to allow proper cooking in the oven.
Can I prepare it all ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble your lasagna hours or even a day before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to bake, which helps deepen the flavors even more.
How do I prevent the lasagna from getting soggy?
Ensure you drain the cooked noodles well and don’t over-sauce each layer. Using a slightly thicker sauce and letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps maintain distinct layers without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create a memorable, heartwarming meal. It’s one of those timeless dishes that brings comfort, satisfaction, and smiles to the table every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy every delicious, cheesy layer with the people you love.
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Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic and easy lasagna recipe features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this comforting Italian-American dish serves 8 and is ideal for family dinners and special occasions. The homemade meat sauce simmers slowly to develop deep flavors, while the tender noodles and cheesy layers come together beautifully in the oven to create a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, onions, and garlic over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, fresh parsley, dried basil, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and salt. Mix well until smooth to create the creamy filling layer.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the lasagna.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce in an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce layering two more times, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the layers to meld and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes outside the oven to let the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve hot.
Notes
- For easier slicing, allow the lasagna to rest after baking so the layers firm up.
- If you prefer, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese in the cheese mixture.
- Fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor to the meat sauce, but they can be omitted if undesired.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead to save time on assembly day.
- Make sure lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to avoid them becoming overly soft after baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
