Easy Lasagna

Easy Lasagna Recipe

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Introduction

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to make? Easy Lasagna is your go-to dish! With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, lasagna is the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. This recipe takes the fuss out of traditional lasagna while keeping all the flavors you love. It’s quick, customizable, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this lasagna will be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagna:

  • 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked or oven-ready)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Set the cheese mixture aside while the sauce simmers.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

  1. If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the noodles and set them aside. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
  5. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
  6. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
  7. For the final layer, top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

  1. Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  2. Serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Lasagna

Use Quality Ingredients

Opt for a good-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheese to enhance the flavors of your lasagna.

Let It Rest

Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Make It Ahead

Lasagna is the perfect make-ahead dish! Prepare and assemble it a day in advance, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well.

Customize Your Fillings

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrients. You can also substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies.

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna

Swap out the meat for roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also use lentils as a protein substitute.

White Lasagna

For a creamy, cheesy twist, try making a white lasagna with Alfredo sauce, chicken, and spinach. Use a mixture of ricotta and cream cheese for a richer filling.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort to any meal. Its rich layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles make it a timeless classic. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, for guests, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Customize it to your taste, make it ahead, and enjoy the ultimate Italian comfort food at home!

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