Ultimate Easy Homemade Lasagna – Layered, Cheesy, Comforting Classic Italian Bake for Family Dinners
Easy Lasagna is a comforting baked pasta dish layered with rich meat sauce and creamy cheese.It combines tender lasagna noodles, seasoned ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.The recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for family dinners.Each layer melts together into a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece.It can be prepared ahead of time and freezes beautifully.A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Mix Cheese Filling: Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and 1 cup mozzarella in a bowl.
- Top Layer: Finish with sauce and remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly.
- Rest: Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for creamier texture.
- Freshly grated mozzarella melts better.
- Letting lasagna rest helps it set properly.
- Add béchamel for a more authentic Italian style.
- Can substitute ground turkey for lighter version.
- Use oven-ready noodles to save time.
- Add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days.