why make this recipe
Easy Lasagna is a great recipe for family dinners and gatherings. It is comforting, filling, and loved by both kids and adults. With layers of pasta, cheese, and flavorful meat sauce, it’s a dish that warms your heart. Plus, it is simple to make, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
how to make Easy Lasagna
Ingredients :
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the ground beef, a third of the mozzarella, and another layer of marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
how to serve Easy Lasagna
Serve the Easy Lasagna warm, cut into squares. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some herbs or grated Parmesan on top.
how to store Easy Lasagna
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
tips to make Easy Lasagna
- Ensure you cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If you want a deeper flavor, use a mix of meats, like ground beef and sausage.
variation
You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with more vegetables or a meat substitute. Another option is to use a different kind of cheese, like cottage cheese, for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just remember to increase baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara can add extra flavor and make the dish even more special.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute. Just blend it for a smoother texture.
Easy Lasagna
Easy Lasagna is a comforting dish made with layers of pasta, cheese, and flavorful meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the ground beef, a third of the mozzarella, and another layer of marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, remaining marinara sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with vegetables or a meat substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
