This easy lasagna recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of traditional Italian lasagna without the fuss. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles, this homemade lasagna is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy lasagna recipe takes the intimidation out of making this classic comfort food. The straightforward method ensures consistent results every time, while the combination of ground meat, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese creates an irresistibly delicious meal. Unlike complicated versions that require hours of preparation, this recipe can be assembled in about 30 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality results. The recipe also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 500 g ground beef or pork
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 700 ml marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 500 g ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 250 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Noodles (15 minutes) Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. If using regular noodles, boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. For no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.
Make the Meat Sauce (20 minutes) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef or pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until meat is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture (5 minutes) In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese) with the egg. Mix until well combined and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna (10 minutes) Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 23×33 cm baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella. Top with the final 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna (45 minutes) Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set properly.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right pan size for even cooking and proper layering. A standard 23×33 cm baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. Don’t skip the resting time after baking, as this allows the lasagna to firm up and makes it much easier to cut clean slices. If your meat sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce. For extra flavor, try mixing half ground beef and half Italian sausage instead of using just one type of meat.
Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 8-10 portions Difficulty Level: Intermediate
This easy lasagna recipe serves 8-10 people generously, making it ideal for large families or gatherings. The recipe can easily be halved for smaller households by using an 8×8 inch baking dish and reducing cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of roasted vegetables. If using no-boil noodles, make sure your sauce is slightly thinner than usual, as the noodles will absorb moisture during baking. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried – use 3 times the amount of fresh herbs as called for in dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I freeze this easy lasagna recipe? Yes, this recipe freezes excellently. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake directly from frozen, adding 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese works as a great substitute and is often more budget-friendly. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor profile.
How do I know when the lasagna is done? The lasagna is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
Storage Instructions
Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Individual portions reheat well in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or you can reheat larger portions in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For best results when reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Frozen portions should be thawed overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This easy lasagna recipe proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will become a family favorite. The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked noodles delivers the classic lasagna experience everyone craves. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing meals for the week ahead, this reliable recipe will serve you well time and time again.