Lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This easy lasagna recipe simplifies the classic Italian favorite without sacrificing flavor. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen—no advanced culinary skills required.
This easy homemade lasagna is perfect for family dinners or special occasions
Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Recipe
This classic lasagna recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The combination creates the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
| Ingredient | US Customary | Metric |
| Lasagna noodles | 12 noodles | 12 noodles |
| Ground beef (80/20) | 1 pound | 450 g |
| Italian sausage | ½ pound | 225 g |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 3 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 36 ounces | 1 kg |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 ml |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 5 g |
| Ricotta cheese | 15 ounces | 425 g |
| Cottage cheese | 16 ounces | 450 g |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 4 cups | 450 g |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup | 50 g |
| Egg, beaten | 1 large | 1 large |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ÂĽ cup | 15 g |
| Salt | Âľ teaspoon | 4 g |
| Black pepper | ÂĽ teaspoon | 1 g |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious homemade lasagna that will impress your family and friends. The process is broken down into manageable phases to make preparation easy.
Prepare the Meat Sauce (25 minutes)
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks for about 8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture (10 minutes)
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ÂĽ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Add the beaten egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles (15 minutes)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Lay noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
What is “al dente”? Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian and refers to pasta that is cooked until it offers slight resistance when bitten into. For lasagna, this is important because the noodles will continue to cook in the oven.
Assemble the Lasagna (15 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9Ă—13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread â…“ of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with 1½ cups of meat sauce.
- Repeat layers twice more: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce.
- Place the final 3 noodles on top and cover with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 3 cups of mozzarella cheese and ÂĽ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Lasagna (45 minutes + 15 minutes rest)
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese (use toothpicks if necessary).
- Bake covered for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to get an extra golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna
Perfect Layering
Start and end with sauce to prevent noodles from drying out. Keep layers even in thickness for consistent cooking. For the perfect bite, aim for 3-4 layers total. Make sure each noodle layer is completely covered with sauce to ensure they cook properly.
Cheese Selection
Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess and cottage cheese for texture. Always shred mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded for better melting. Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella provides the best flavor and that classic stretchy cheese pull.
Sauce Consistency
The perfect meat sauce should be thick enough to stay in place when layered but not so dry that it can’t hydrate the noodles. Simmer uncovered if your sauce is too thin. Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste can help thicken a runny sauce and intensify flavor.
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Get Free RecipesLasagna Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Lasagna
Replace the meat sauce with a vegetable-packed alternative:
- Sauté 2 cups of mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach)
- Use the same amount of marinara sauce as the original recipe
- Add 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts for texture (optional)
- Increase cheese by ½ cup for extra richness
- Layer and bake following the same instructions as the meat version
Meat Lover’s Lasagna
Amp up the protein for a heartier version:
- Use 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage
- Add ½ cup of diced pepperoni between layers
- Include ÂĽ pound of cooked and crumbled bacon in the meat sauce
- Add an extra cup of mozzarella cheese
- Increase sauce by 25% to balance the extra meat
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, cut into individual portions before storing to make reheating easier.
Freezing
Lasagna freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Label with the date.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated lasagna: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through. For frozen lasagna: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as above, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles to save time. Skip the boiling step and layer them directly in the dish. Add an extra ÂĽ cup of water to your sauce or around the edges of the dish, as these noodles need more moisture to cook properly. The baking time remains the same.
How do I prevent soggy lasagna?
To prevent soggy lasagna, don’t overcook the noodles—they should be al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water immediately after cooking. Make sure your sauce isn’t too watery; simmer it to reduce excess liquid if needed. Most importantly, let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lasagna is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Homemade marinara sauce provides the best flavor, but for convenience, a high-quality store-bought sauce works well. Look for brands with simple, natural ingredients and no added sugar. Rao’s, Mezzetta, and Lucini are excellent choices. If using store-bought, you can enhance it by simmering with additional herbs and a splash of red wine.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes, you can customize the cheese blend. If you don’t have ricotta, you can use all cottage cheese instead. For a different flavor profile, try adding provolone or fontina cheese to the mozzarella. Just maintain the same total amount of cheese for proper consistency.
Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 375 per serving
Time to Make Your Own Easy Lasagna!
This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for both weeknight family dinners and special occasions. With its layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? You can customize it to your taste preferences and make it ahead for busy days.
Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps—each one is simple, and the result is well worth the effort. Your family and friends will be impressed with this homemade Italian classic that tastes even better than restaurant versions.
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How to Make the Perfect Easy Lasagna Recipe
Description
Learn how to make the perfect easy lasagna with this foolproof recipe featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly melted cheese. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic Italian favorite is guaranteed to satisfy—with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
