When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a hearty, cheesy lasagna. This easy and delicious lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a cheesy filling that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
What’s in Easy and Delicious Lasagna?
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this lasagna a showstopper:
Lasagna Noodles: The heart of any lasagna. You can opt for traditional lasagna noodles or no-boil noodles, depending on your time constraints. No-boil noodles are convenient, but traditional ones give a wonderful texture to your dish.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a flavorful meat sauce, ground beef is a great option, but for those craving a little more zing, Italian sausage adds a delicious kick.
Onion: This fragrant vegetable adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Finely chopped onion ensures it blends into the dish perfectly.
Garlic: The magic ingredient that brings everything together with its irresistible savory flavor.
Marinara Sauce: The base of your sauce! You can use a high-quality jarred marinara or, if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese creates a rich, velvety filling that balances out the meat sauce. Adding an egg helps bind it together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that everyone loves. It melts beautifully, creating that perfect lasagna texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty flavor boost that brings everything together in the best way possible.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives your lasagna a deliciously aromatic, authentic flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Fresh Basil (Optional): A fragrant, fresh herb that serves as the perfect garnish for your lasagna.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 8 generous servings:
9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy and Delicious Lasagna
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your perfect lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – a hot oven means a golden, bubbly lasagna!
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain and set them aside, letting them cool slightly.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and your choice of ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the meat until browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella cheese, and another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the remaining meat sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spraying the foil with cooking spray prevents sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Optionally, top with fresh basil for a burst of color and fragrance.
Lasagna Love Notes
Make Ahead: Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve!
Freezing: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Just make sure it cools completely before wrapping it up in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for later use.
Vegetarian Option: You can skip the meat and add more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for a lighter version.
Is Easy and Delicious Lasagna Good for You?
Lasagna can be a balanced meal if you make a few mindful adjustments. Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey, use part-skim ricotta, and load up on vegetables to boost the nutritional value. It’s all about balance and moderation, so pair your lasagna with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy making this easy and delicious lasagna – it’s the kind of dish that brings people together for a comforting and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!
