Print

Best Easy Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 1 review

This Best Easy Lasagna Recipe features tender layers of pasta, savory ground beef and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. A classic family favorite that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to serve.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 9 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 48 ounces marinara sauce (about 6 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 egg
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C) to prepare for baking the lasagna later.
  2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for the minimum time indicated on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Lay them on parchment paper.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the ricotta cheese and stir to combine. Also shred mozzarella cheese if not already shredded.
  6. Assemble First Layer: Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread one-third of the remaining meat sauce over noodles. Dot half the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella and one-third of the Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Assemble Second Layer: Repeat layering with 3 noodles, half of the remaining sauce, the remaining ricotta mixture, half of the remaining mozzarella, and half of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  8. Top Layer: For the final layer, add remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil sprayed on the underside with cooking spray to prevent cheese sticking. Bake covered for 35 minutes.
  10. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is lightly browned on top.
  11. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.

Notes

  • You can prepare meat sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for quicker assembly later.
  • For easier slicing, use a sharp serrated knife and let the lasagna rest well before cutting.
  • Feel free to swap ground beef for Italian sausage or a blend of meats for variation.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture.
  • Adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/best-easy-lasagna-recipe/