Easy Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12

The Perfect Comfort Food Made Simple

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty plate of lasagna, layered with rich flavors and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a satisfying meal after a long day, this Easy Lasagna recipe is your ticket to a delicious, hassle-free dinner. Made with oven-ready lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce, and a few special ingredients, this lasagna is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Let me walk you through how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Lasagna Stands Out

Lasagna can sometimes be intimidating with its multiple layers and various components. I’ve experienced both triumphs and disasters in the kitchen, from dry, overcooked lasagnas to overly saucy ones. Determined to master this classic dish, I developed this Easy Lasagna recipe to ensure consistent, perfect results every time. By fine-tuning the ratios of sauce, pasta, and cheese, I’ve created a lasagna that’s both flavorful and foolproof.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delectable Easy Lasagna, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (loose packed or casings removed; about 5 sausages)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3.5 cups jarred tomato pasta sauce (approximately 1.5 jars)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese (450g)
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (100g)
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
• 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Onion:
   In a large pan, cook the lean ground beef, Italian sausage, and finely diced onion over medium heat until browned, stirring frequently. If there’s excess liquid in the pan, drain it to ensure your lasagna isn’t watery.
2. Add Spices and Garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Incorporate the Tomato Sauce:
   Pour in the jarred tomato pasta sauce and 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly. This step can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, cream, egg, shredded Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Lay down three oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the Ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a quarter of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce.
6. Add the Mozzarella Topping:
   Sprinkle the remaining two cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna. This generous layer of cheese ensures a golden, bubbly finish that everyone will love.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   Cover the baking dish with a piece of tin foil or an oven-safe lid to trap moisture and cook the noodles thoroughly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Depending on your oven and the brand of pasta noodles, this might take up to 60 minutes. The lasagna will remain juicy at this stage, which is perfectly fine.
8. Brown the Cheese (Optional):
   For an extra touch of flavor and a beautiful golden top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the Mozzarella cheese is melted. If you prefer a slightly browned top, you can broil the lasagna for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
9. Let It Rest:
   Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve without the lasagna falling apart.

Tips and Variations

• Swap the Ricotta:
  If you prefer, you can substitute Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Vegetable Boost:
  Add extra vegetables like finely chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, kale, or additional spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Alternative Meats:
  Feel free to use all ground beef, ground turkey, or pork if you’re not a fan of Italian sausage. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to maintain the robust flavor.
• Bechamel Sauce Option:
  For a creamy twist, you can use Bechamel sauce instead of Ricotta or cottage cheese. This adds a rich, silky texture to your lasagna.
• Make Ahead:
  Lasagna is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the lasagna up to the baking stage, cover it with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking. To freeze, wrap the assembled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
• Homemade Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, they add an extra touch of comfort to your meal.
• Roasted Green Beans or Broccoli Casserole: For a healthy green side that complements the richness of the lasagna.
• Easy Broccoli Salad: A refreshing and crunchy side to balance the hearty main dish.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Easy Lasagna contains approximately:

• Calories: 493 cal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 550mg
• Vitamin A: 600 IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 4mg

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna recipe is a testament to how comforting and delicious homemade lasagna can be without the stress. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a lasagna that’s rich in flavor and perfectly layered every time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to deliver consistent, mouthwatering results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade lasagna that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!