Easy Lasagna Recipe: A Delicious & Simple Dish for Weeknights
Lasagna, a classic Italian comfort food, is often perceived as a complicated dish, reserved for special occasions. But it doesn't have to be! This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave without the fuss. This recipe focuses on simplicity and speed, while still maintaining amazing flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy-to-make masterpiece.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making your grocery shopping a breeze.
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready are easiest!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying your lasagna in no time.
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with the remaining noodles and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
5. Let it Rest:
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Easy Lasagna:
- Oven-ready noodles: These eliminate the need for pre-boiling noodles, saving you time and effort.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize it: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina.
This easy lasagna recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us using #EasyLasagnaRecipe!
