Irresistible Easy Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Name: Easy Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 no-boil lasagna noodles; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

July 24, 2025

Updated:

July 24, 2025

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There’s something magical about lasagna, isn’t there? Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and all those delightful herbs create a symphony of flavors that can make even the most stoic person shed a tear. If you’ve ever walked into an Italian restaurant and been hit with the aroma of bubbling cheese and simmering tomatoes, you know exactly what I mean. An easy lasagna recipe can turn any dinner into a celebration or even a cozy night in.

Let me tell you about the first time I attempted this culinary masterpiece. My kitchen looked like a tornado had hit it—spilled sauce here, shredded cheese there. But when I pulled that golden-brown lasagna out of the oven, my family gathered around the table like moths to a flame. The oohs and ahhs that followed made every chaotic moment worth it. Trust me; this easy lasagna recipe will soon become your go-to dish for any occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering incredible flavor

The layers beautifully meld together, creating an irresistible visual appeal
It’s versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences—swap out meat for veggies or use gluten-free noodles

Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings or family dinners

My friends still rave about that first lasagna night. They said it was love at first bite!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Lasagna Noodles: Use no-boil noodles for convenience or traditional ones if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for flavor without too much grease.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; feel free to mix in some herbs for extra flair.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Make sure it’s fresh—nothing beats gooey melted mozzarella!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade can elevate your dish to heavenly heights.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that bring depth to your sauce—finely chop them for best results.

Dried Italian Herbs: Look for oregano and basil; they’ll infuse your dish with authentic flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top creates a crispy finish that’s simply irresistible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet and add some oil over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped garlic and onion until they soften and turn fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes.

Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go along. Drain excess fat then stir in marinara sauce and dried herbs. Let this simmer gently while you get everything else ready.

Prepare Your Cheesy Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg (this helps bind everything) and season with salt, pepper, and a bit of grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Layer It Up!: In a baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Then add noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Create More Layers!: Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients or your dish is full! End with noodles topped by remaining meat sauce and plenty of mozzarella—it should look like cheesy heaven.

Bake It Off!: Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let your lasagna cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape better—though who am I kidding? You’ll probably want to dive right in!

And voilà! You now have an easy lasagna recipe that’s bound to impress anyone who crosses your threshold—even if it means cleaning up afterwards! Remember: nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade pan of cheesy goodness. Happy cooking!

You Must Know

This easy lasagna recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners

It combines convenience with flavor, making it perfect for busy families
The layers of cheesy goodness and fragrant sauce create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and brings everyone to the table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your sauce while boiling the noodles. Cook the meat, then layer everything together before baking for even flavors and perfect texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To avoid soggy lasagna, ensure noodles are properly drained before layering
Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess, and let it rest after baking to set perfectly
This will enhance both flavor and presentation when serving

I remember the first time I made this easy lasagna recipe; my friends devoured it while sharing laughter and stories around the table. That memory still warms my heart!

FAQs

FAQ

What kind of noodles should I use for lasagna?

Use traditional lasagna noodles or no-boil varieties for convenience.

Can I make this easy lasagna recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Ensure your sauce is thick enough and drain noodles well before layering them.

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