Lasagna Easy Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Easy Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious & Simple Guide

Lasagna, a classic Italian dish, is often perceived as complicated and time-consuming. But fear not! This easy lasagna recipe proves that you can achieve delicious, comforting results without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe prioritizes simplicity while maintaining the rich, satisfying flavors you expect from a true lasagna.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

• For the Meat Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Cheese Filling:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Other:
  • 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready is easiest!)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This easy-to-follow guide breaks down the lasagna-making process into manageable steps.

1. Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

2. Making the Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Top with another layer of meat sauce.
6. Repeat the layering process: noodles, remaining ricotta cheese, and the rest of the meat sauce.
7. Finish with the remaining lasagna noodles and top with the mozzarella cheese.

4. Baking the Lasagna:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
4. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna:

• Oven-ready noodles: These save you the step of pre-cooking the noodles.
• Don't overcook the noodles: Follow the package directions if using traditional noodles.
• Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your lasagna will taste.
• Get creative with your meat: Try adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives.

Serving Suggestions:

This easy lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further with a side salad and garlic bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the lasagna.

This easy lasagna recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables to create your own signature dish! Enjoy!