Jump to Recipe Print RecipeSinking into a plate of warm lasagna transports me back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and rich, meaty sauce filled the air. This Easy Lasagna Recipe is my go-to solution when cravings strike, providing a comforting embrace with every bite. Not only is it incredibly simple to whip up, but it also boasts a crowd-pleasing quality that keeps my family gathering around the dinner table. Packed with three types of cheese and hearty meat sauce, this dish is both satisfying and budget-friendly—far better than any fast-food option. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep! Curious about selecting your own twists, like Chicken Lasagna or a gluten-free version? Let’s dive into making this irresistible dish together! Why is This Lasagna Recipe So Great? Ease of Preparation: With just a few steps and minimal equipment, you can make a homemade masterpiece that rivals restaurant quality. Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Versatility: Customize your lasagna with different proteins like ground turkey or substitutions like gluten-free noodles, so everyone can enjoy it. Meal Prep Hero: It’s freezer-friendly, allowing you to make it ahead of time and enjoy it whenever cravings strike—just like my creamy Puff Tart Pockets! Delicious Layers: The combination of three cheeses and rich meat sauce ensures a hearty meal bursting with flavor. Budget-Friendly: Say goodbye to fast food; this easy lasagna recipe is not only satisfying but also kinder on your wallet, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Easy Lasagna Recipe Ingredients For the Meat Sauce • Ground Beef – Provides the meaty richness essential for the sauce; aim for 15-20% fat content for optimal flavor. • Medium Onion – Builds the flavor base when sautéed with the beef; finely diced for even cooking. • Garlic Cloves – Adds aromatic fragrance and depth; use minced garlic for a strong flavor punch. • Dry Red Wine – Enhances the sauce’s richness; substitute with beef broth if preferred. • Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; it adds a healthy fat profile to the dish. • Marinara Sauce – This is the sauce layer; ensure it’s flavorful as it forms the base of the recipe. • Sea Salt – Enhances the flavors of all ingredients; necessary for seasoning. • Black Pepper – Adds necessary heat and depth; ground for more uniform distribution. • Dried Thyme – Contributes an earthy aroma to the sauce; fresh can be used as a substitute. • Granulated Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomato sauce; crucial for flavor. • Parsley – Provides a fresh herbal note; finely chopped and can be used in both sauce and cheese mixtures. For the Lasagna Layers • Lasagna Noodles – The structure of the lasagna; cooked al dente to prevent mushiness. • Low-Fat Cottage Cheese – Adds creaminess and a lighter texture; can be substituted with ricotta if preferred. • Reduced Fat Ricotta Cheese – Provides a rich and creamy layer; enhances the texture of the cheese mixture. • Egg – Acts as a binder for the cheese mixture; using a large egg helps to hold the layers together. • Mozzarella Cheese – Top layer for a gooey, cheesy finish; shredding ensures even melting. This Easy Lasagna Recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, waiting to be savored by your loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Lasagna Recipe Step 1: Prepare Meat Sauce In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 finely diced medium onion, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute. Pour in 1 cup of dry red wine, allowing it to cook until mostly evaporated, then mix in 3 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Step 2: Make Cheese Mixture In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup of reduced fat ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix all the ingredients together until well blended and smooth. This cheese mixture will add delightful creaminess to your Easy Lasagna Recipe, creating a perfect balance with the hearty meat sauce. Step 3: Cook Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This step ensures that your lasagna layers maintain their structure and do not become mushy. Step 4: Layer Lasagna Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 casserole dish, spread ½ cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Next, layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spoon on ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process until you have three complete layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella on top for that golden cheese crust. Step 5: Bake Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil, using toothpicks to prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. After baking, carefully remove the foil and switch the oven setting to broil. Broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This will give your Easy Lasagna Recipe that irresistible crispy top. Step 6: Rest and Serve Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing. This resting period is essential as it allows the layers to set nicely, making serving easier. After resting, cut into squares and serve your delicious Easy Lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. What to Serve with Easy Lasagna Recipe? Savoring a slice of warm lasagna is a delight, but pairing it with the right sides creates a hearty and memorable meal. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up rich tomato sauce, this warm and buttery delight complements the lasagna’s cheesy layers. Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the dish’s richness. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add a sweet note, enhancing the lasagna while incorporating vibrant colors to the plate. Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons create a satisfying contrast to the lasagna’s softness; an enjoyable favorite for everyone. Italian Antipasto Platter: A spread of olives, salami, cheese, and marinated artichokes creates a flavorful beginning or light side, enhancing the Italian vibe. Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a robust red wine complements the meal wonderfully, enhancing the depth of flavors throughout the dish. These pairings create a delightful dining experience that will make your Easy Lasagna Recipe a hit at any table! Expert Tips for Easy Lasagna Recipe • Rest the Lasagna: Allow the lasagna to cool for 30 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers hold together beautifully when served. • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality marinara sauce can elevate your easy lasagna recipe’s flavor significantly—opt for store-bought or homemade sauces that you love. • Customize Layers: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition; just remember to sauté them first to avoid excess moisture. • Prevent Sticking: Use toothpicks to keep the foil from touching the cheesy top while baking; this prevents a sticky mess and ensures a perfect crust. • Foil Technique: Cover the lasagna with foil for the first bake to keep it moist; uncover it during the last few minutes for a beautifully browned cheese layer. • Freezer-Friendly: Make extra and freeze for future meals; even after freezing, your easy lasagna recipe will taste fantastic when reheated! How to Store and Freeze Easy Lasagna Recipe Fridge: Store your lasagna in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and ready for your next meal. Freezer: Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 375°F until heated through, usually around 25-30 minutes. This ensures your Easy Lasagna Recipe remains delicious and satisfying. Leftovers: If you have leftover slices, simply reheat in the microwave for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Easy Lasagna Recipe Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you modify this beloved classic with enticing twists and substitutions! Turkey Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy the same heartiness with a fraction of the fat. Vegetable Delight: Add layers of spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients and a burst of color. These veggies bring a fresh touch that balances the richness of the cheese. Zucchini Noodles: For a gluten-free alternative, use thinly sliced zucchini in place of traditional lasagna noodles. This trick not only makes it gluten-free but also adds a delightful twist to the texture! Lasagna Soup: Transform your lasagna into a cozy soup by adding broth to the meat sauce. Toss in the noodles and serve in bowls for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Slow Cooker Sensation: Assemble the lasagna in your slow cooker for a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Layer your ingredients, cook on low for 4–6 hours, and come home to a steaming hot dinner! Three-Cheese Bliss: Elevate the cheese factor by incorporating a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and buttery fontina for an extra creamy and gooey experience. Every bite will be a cheesy heavenly delight! Heat It Up: Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a tangy kick that ignites your taste buds. Perfect for those who crave a bit of heat! Make-ahead Masterpiece: Prepare multiple lasagnas and freeze them for future meals. You’ll love having this trusty dish ready to bake on busy weeknights—just like my convenient Savory Slow Cooker recipe! Take your time experimenting with these variations, and create the perfect comfort dish that will gather your family around the table time and again! Make Ahead Options These Easy Lasagna Recipe components are perfect for meal prep, making your life a breeze on busy weeknights! You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture up to 3 days in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their flavors and freshness. Additionally, you can cook the noodles, cool them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours—be sure to separate them with a little oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to bake, simply layer everything together and proceed with the baking instructions. This way, you can enjoy your delicious, hearty lasagna without the rush, while still achieving those comforting, homemade flavors! Easy Lasagna Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe ingredients for this lasagna? Absolutely! When choosing tomatoes or marinara sauce, look for vibrant colors without dark spots or bruising. For the best ground beef, opt for a fresh cut with a fat content of 15-20%, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful. Additionally, select firm, fresh garlic cloves that feel heavy in your hand for maximum aroma. How should I store leftover lasagna? Very good question! Store your easy lasagna in airtight containers or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For optimal flavor and texture, ensure it’s cooled completely before covering it to avoid steam buildup, which can make the layers soggy. Can I freeze my lasagna, and how do I do it? Yes, you can! To freeze your easy lasagna, let it cool entirely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets, and then cover with aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat in the oven at 375°F until heated through, typically around 25-30 minutes. What should I do if my lasagna is too watery? Ah, the classic challenge! If your easy lasagna comes out too watery, it could be due to excess moisture from the sauce or vegetables. To remedy this, here are a few steps: First, let it sit for 30 minutes before slicing, allowing the layers to firm up. If you’re using veggies, consider sautéing them first to reduce moisture. You might also use less sauce or even drain some excess liquid before layering! Is this recipe suitable for someone with gluten sensitivities? Certainly! To adapt this easy lasagna recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets. These are widely available at grocery stores. Additionally, double-check your marinara sauce and spices to ensure they are free from gluten additives, allowing everyone to indulge without worry. Easy Lasagna Recipe: Comfort Food for the Whole Family This Easy Lasagna Recipe is a comforting dish filled with layers of cheese and hearty meat sauce, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat Sauce1 lb Ground Beef Aim for 15-20% fat content1 Medium Onion Finely diced2 cloves Garlic Minced1 cup Dry Red Wine Substitute with beef broth if preferred2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing3 cups Marinara Sauce Flavorful sauce layer1 tsp Sea Salt Necessary for seasoning0.5 tsp Black Pepper Ground for uniform distribution1 tsp Dried Thyme Fresh can be used as substitute1 tsp Granulated Sugar Balances acidity of the tomato sauce2 tbsp Parsley Finely choppedFor the Lasagna Layers12 pieces Lasagna Noodles Cooked al dente1 cup Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Can substitute with ricotta1 cup Reduced Fat Ricotta Cheese Enhances texture of cheese mixture1 large Egg Acts as a binder1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded for even melting Equipment Large Skilletcasserole dishlarge potmixing bowlmeasuring cupsMeasuring spoons Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until beef is no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic, and sauté for another minute.Pour in dry red wine and cook until mostly evaporated. Add marinara sauce, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, granulated sugar, and chopped parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles as per package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom, layer with 3 noodles, add ⅓ of meat sauce, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella and half of cheese mixture. Repeat until finished with noodles and remaining mozzarella on top.Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, switch to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.Let lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg NotesAllow the lasagna to cool for 30 minutes before slicing to help the layers hold together. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor and feel free to add vegetables like spinach. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
