If you have been craving a hearty, comforting Italian meal that brings the whole family together around the table, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and bubbling mozzarella cheese into a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing casserole. Whether you’re cooking for twelve or preparing a special occasion dinner, this recipe keeps things delightfully simple without sacrificing any of the classic lasagna charm. From the tender noodles soaking up the flavorful sauce to the golden, cheesy crust, every bite is pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in building the authentic taste, texture, and vibrant color of your lasagna layers. Each component works together to create the perfect balance between creamy, meaty, and cheesy goodness.
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese: Provides a luscious, creamy layer that adds a smooth texture contrasting the meat sauce.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a firm yet tender filling.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to create that classic stringy, gooey cheese pull.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall richness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Offers fragrant herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to build authentic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides a hint of spice that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, it brings a subtle fruity aroma.
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
- ¾ lb. ground beef: Gives hearty, savory meatiness with a satisfying texture.
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage: Brings extra seasoning and richness to the meat layer.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with classic aromatic pungency.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the meat sauce moist and infused with gentle savory notes.
- 40 oz. marinara sauce: The heart of the sauce, offering a luscious tomato base (homemade or store-bought works).
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for deeper richness.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick that enhances complexity without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Lends umami depth to the meat sauce for that extra layer of flavor.
- 12 lasagna noodles: The essential sturdy layers that hold everything together perfectly.
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese: For topping, creating a beautifully golden cheese crust.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Start by combining the ricotta cheese with the egg, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined. This mixture is the creamy heart of your lasagna, providing a luscious, rich layer that beautifully contrasts the tomato meat sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the finely diced yellow onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon as they brown evenly. Stir in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing all those flavors to develop and thicken nicely.
Step 3: Boil the Lasagna Noodles
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles carefully and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure not to overcook—they should be tender but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Now comes the fun part: layering! In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread a portion of the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles. Add a generous layer of meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of noodles covered by the remaining meat sauce and 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving; this helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Keep things simple but tasty by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over each slice. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan just before serving adds a lovely salty finish that makes every bite pop, keeping the presentation fresh and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, like a Caesar or mixed greens with vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread on the side turns this meal into a complete Italian feast everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve individual lasagna portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. You can also create a lasagna bar, offering an assortment of toppings like sliced olives, fresh herbs, and shredded cheese for everyone to customize their slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire lasagna before baking or in baked portions. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout. Microwaving individual slices also works well when you’re short on time, just be sure to cover to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies mixed with a marinara sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?
Yes, cooking the noodles al dente before assembling helps ensure they are tender without becoming mushy after baking.
Can I use no-boil noodles instead?
Yes, no-boil noodles can be used to save time. Just make sure your sauce has enough moisture to cook the noodles properly during baking.
How spicy is this recipe?
The hot sauce adds a gentle warmth that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust or omit it based on your spice preference.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
Reheating in the oven covered with foil is the best way to keep it moist and delicious. Microwaving works for quick reheats but can make the noodles a little chewy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Lasagna Recipe because it truly hits the spot whenever comfort food is on your mind. It’s straightforward enough for even novice cooks but impressive enough to serve guests or celebrate a special occasion. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself returning to its comforting layers again and again.
Print
Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy lasagna recipe combines a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of melted mozzarella cheese to create a classic Italian comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining. With a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, fresh seasonings, and homemade marinara sauce, this lasagna is hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- ¾ lb. ground beef
- ¾ lb. ground Italian sausage
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 40 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Others
- 12 lasagna noodles (plus extra in case of breakage)
- 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the egg. Mix everything together until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles: While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Assemble and Bake the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then a third of the meat sauce, and repeat layers two more times. Finish with a generous layer of 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce if preferred.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it to set and makes serving easier.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
