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Easy Lasagna Recipe
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Easy Lasagna Recipe

This lasagna recipe is a heartwarming classic—easy to prepare, bursting with rich flavors, and perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Course Main Course
Keyword Easy Lasagna Recipe, Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly

  • 12 lasagna noodles cooked according to package instructions
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make the Cheese Mixture

  • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well until smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Arrange 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread ¼ of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by ¼ of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a difference.
  • No-Boil Noodles: If using no-boil noodles, add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook through.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time.