Easy Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

A comforting Easy Lasagna Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience filled with warmth, nostalgia, and Italian flavor. Layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together to create the perfect comfort food dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a crowd-pleaser for guests, or trying an Easy Lasagna Recipe for beginners, this dish guarantees satisfaction every single time.

Unlike complicated gourmet versions, this Homemade Lasagna Recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor with minimal effort. With a few pantry staples and simple layering techniques, you’ll master this Classic Easy Lasagna and impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe

•  Rich, cheesy layers that melt together into the ultimate comfort food.

•  Simple steps—even beginner cooks can master this Quick Lasagna Recipe.

•  Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

•  Homemade Italian flavor using your favorite spaghetti sauce.

•  Customizable with vegetables, ground turkey, or plant-based meat.

•  Family-friendly dinner that everyone requests again and again.

•  Oven-baked perfection with golden, bubbling cheese.

•  Budget-friendly comfort meal that tastes restaurant-quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

 For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (use your favorite brand)

 For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 4 tbsp fresh parsley)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

 For Layering

• 12 lasagna noodles

• ¼ cup water (optional, see note below)

How to Make This Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Drain any excess fat, then add garlic and spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Spread ¾ cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.
Add 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, then spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture and ¼ of the sauce.
Repeat these layers (noodles → cheese → sauce) twice more.
Top with remaining noodles, the last layer of sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray (shiny side down).
Bake for 50 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing—it helps the layers set beautifully.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna

How do you keep lasagna from getting watery?

Use a thick sauce and drain your meat well before layering. Allow the baked lasagna to rest before cutting.

Do you have to boil lasagna noodles first?

Not always! This Easy Oven-Baked Lasagna Recipe works perfectly with uncooked noodles—the sauce provides enough moisture.

Can you make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge (add 10 extra minutes).

What cheese is best for lasagna?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates creamy, gooey, and salty perfection. For extra flavor, add provolone or fontina.

Best Ways to Serve

This Easy Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Butter Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls

• Fresh Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

• A side of Roasted Vegetables or Italian Green Beans

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: In oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave until hot.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.

• Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.

• One-Pan Easy Lasagna Recipe: Use oven-ready noodles and a deep skillet for fewer dishes.

• Cheesy Easy Lasagna: Add extra mozzarella and provolone for ultra-gooey layers.

• Traditional Lasagna Made Easy: Use béchamel sauce for an authentic Italian twist.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese?

Yes! Substitute with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

What side dishes go best with lasagna?

Try garlic bread, caprese salad, or roasted asparagus for balance and freshness.

Can I freeze uncooked lasagna?

Yes—assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of an Easy Lasagna Recipe fresh from the oven. With simple steps, accessible ingredients, and rich Italian flavor, this family-friendly lasagna will become your go-to weeknight and holiday dinner.