Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy enough for beginner cooks
Classic homemade comfort food
Rich, cheesy, and satisfying
Perfect for family dinners
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Freezer-friendly
Feeds a crowd
Simple ingredients with big flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add one-third of the meat sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
Sausage Lasagna: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef.
Three-Cheese Lasagna: Add provolone or fontina cheese to the layers.
Spicy Lasagna: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef.
Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles.
White Lasagna: Replace marinara with a creamy béchamel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

If using traditional noodles, yes. Oven-ready noodles can be used according to package instructions.

Why should lasagna rest before serving?

Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes. Lasagna freezes exceptionally well before or after baking.

What is the best cheese for lasagna?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the classic combination.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes. Cottage cheese is a popular substitute and works very well.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Avoid overly thin sauces and allow the lasagna to rest after baking.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers are excellent additions.

What should I serve with lasagna?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully.

How do I know when lasagna is done?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the center should be hot throughout.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and melted mozzarella into one irresistible dish. Simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions, this recipe delivers classic homemade flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this easy lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Easy Lasagna Recipe

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Easy Lasagna is a classic comfort food layered with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. This simple homemade version is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and special occasions, delivering hearty flavor with minimal fuss.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add one-third of the meat sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers two more times.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Oven-ready noodles can be used according to package instructions.
Cottage cheese may be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months.
Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg