Who doesn’t love lasagna? Seriously, it’s like the ultimate comfort food! But, let’s be real, most lasagna recipes seem SO complicated, right? All those layers, the sauce, the cheese… it can feel overwhelming. That’s where this Easy Lasagna Recipe comes in! I promise, it’s totally doable, even on a busy weeknight.
I remember the first time I tried to make lasagna. Total disaster! The noodles were mushy, the sauce was watery – it was a mess. But don’t worry, this recipe is foolproof. We’re skipping all the fussy steps and focusing on pure flavor. Trust me, you’re gonna love this Easy Lasagna Recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and totally satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Quick: Ready in under two hours – perfect for busy weeknights, I swear!
- Easy: Seriously, if I can make it, *anyone* can. No fancy chef skills needed!
- Delicious: Layers of cheesy, saucy goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for the Best Easy Lasagna Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this ridiculously good easy lasagna recipe. Don’t worry, you probably have most of this stuff already!
You’ll need: 1 lb ground beef (I like 15 to 20 percent fat – it adds flavor!), 1 medium onion (finely diced, please!), 2 large garlic cloves (minced – the pre-minced stuff is fine in a pinch!), 1/4 cup dry red wine (or beef broth if you’re skipping the wine), 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 24 oz (about 3 cups) of your favorite marinara sauce. Store-bought is totally fine here, I won’t judge! Plus, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper (ground), 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped).
And for the cheesy goodness: 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente – super important!), 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese, 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped, plus more to garnish), and 4 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided). Got it? Great, let’s get cooking!
How to Make This Easy Lasagna Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, here comes the fun part! Let’s get down to business and actually *make* this amazing easy lasagna recipe. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every single step. Promise!
Preparing the Meat Sauce for Your Easy Lasagna Recipe
First, we gotta get that sauce going. Trust me, a good sauce is KEY to a killer lasagna. Grab a deep pan (like a Dutch oven or a big skillet) and pop it over medium-high heat. Drizzle in that olive oil, then toss in your ground beef and diced onion.
Now, saute that beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, add your minced garlic. Cook for just a minute or two, until it smells amazing (careful not to burn it!).
Next, pour in that red wine (or beef broth). Stir it all up and let it simmer until the wine is almost evaporated – this adds a TON of flavor! Then, pour in your marinara sauce, add the salt, pepper, thyme, and sugar. Give it a good stir, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all those flavors meld together. Mmm!
Assembling the Easy Lasagna Layers
Okay, while that sauce is simmering, let’s get the cheese mixture ready. In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the egg, and 2 Tbsp of parsley. Mix it all up really well. Set that aside for now.
Now, this is important: go ahead and preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. You don’t want to forget!
Time to assemble! Spread about 1/2 cup of that yummy meat sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch dish). Then, layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, dollop 1/3 of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the mozzarella.
Repeat those layers! Noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, cheese mixture. You should have enough for about three layers. For the very top layer, spread the remaining meat sauce and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Baking Your Delicious Easy Lasagna
Almost there! Before you pop that lasagna in the oven, insert a few toothpicks evenly over the top. This prevents the foil from sticking to the cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! This usually only takes a few minutes.
Resting and Serving the Perfect Easy Lasagna
Now, the HARDEST part: letting it rest! I know, I know, you want to dig right in. But trust me on this one, let that lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from being a soupy mess. Plus, it’s easier to slice!
Once it’s rested, slice it up and garnish with some fresh parsley. And that’s it! You just made an amazing Easy Lasagna Recipe! Enjoy!
Tips for the Most Delicious Easy Lasagna Recipe
Wanna take your easy lasagna recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years!
First, make sure those noodles are *truly* al dente. Slightly undercooked is better than mushy! Also, don’t skimp on the cheese! Good quality mozzarella makes a HUGE difference. If your sauce seems too thin, simmer it a little longer to thicken it up. And seriously, don’t skip the resting time! It’s worth the wait, I promise!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Lasagna Recipe
Okay, let’s chat about some of the ingredients in our easy lasagna recipe and why I chose them. Plus, I’ll give you some ideas for swaps if you’re feeling adventurous (or just don’t have something on hand!).
First off, you might be wondering about the low-fat cottage cheese. Honestly, I use it because it lightens things up a bit without sacrificing that creamy texture. But hey, if you’re not worried about that, go for the full-fat stuff! Also, ground turkey works great instead of ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Wanna sneak in some veggies? Sauté some chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms and add them to the sauce. So good! You can also swap out cheeses – provolone or fontina would be delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Lasagna Recipe
Okay, you’ve got this amazing easy lasagna recipe… but what do you serve with it? I always think some good crusty garlic bread is a MUST. Seriously, perfect for soaking up all that extra sauce! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great choice. Or, if you’re feeling virtuous, some steamed green beans or broccoli. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Lasagna Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy lasagna recipe is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. To store it, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them well and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
To reheat, you can microwave individual slices (easy-peasy!). Or, for a crispier lasagna, bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Easy Lasagna Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this easy lasagna recipe? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (and some answers, of course!).
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.
Can I freeze this lasagna? Yep! You can freeze the whole lasagna (unbaked) or individual slices (baked or unbaked). Wrap it really well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it completely in the fridge before baking or reheating.
What if my lasagna is too watery? Ah, the dreaded watery lasagna! This usually happens if you don’t drain the ricotta cheese well enough or if you use too much sauce. Next time, try pressing the ricotta in a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. Also, make sure your veggies (if you add them) are cooked and drained well.
Can I use no-boil noodles? You know, I haven’t personally tried it with this *easy lasagna recipe*, but I’ve heard it works! Just make sure you use enough sauce so the noodles can absorb the moisture. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How can I make this Easy Lasagna Recipe vegetarian? Easy peasy! Just skip the ground beef and add some extra veggies. Sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers and add them to the sauce. You could even use a vegetarian meat substitute. So many options!
Nutritional Information for Easy Lasagna Recipe
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info for this easy lasagna recipe, right? Well, here’s the deal: it’s tough to give exact numbers since it depends on the brands you use and how much cheese you pile on (I know I’m generous with the mozzarella!). But, as a general estimate, one slice of this lasagna clocks in around:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Keep in mind, this is just a ballpark figure! But hey, it’s lasagna! Enjoy every bite and don’t sweat the small stuff, okay?
Enjoy Your Homemade Easy Lasagna Recipe!
Alright, you did it! You made an amazing easy lasagna recipe! Now, go forth and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite! And hey, if you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and rate it below. Share your lasagna creations on social media and tag me – I wanna see! Happy cooking!
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Easy Lasagna Recipe: Foolproof in Under 2 Hours, I Swear
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal with simple steps and readily available ingredients. Enjoy a classic dish made easy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 15 to 20 percent fat content
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine, or beef broth
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce, 3 cups
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, ground
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese
- 15 oz reduced fat ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Place a deep pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, ground beef, and diced onion. Saute until beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Add wine and stir until nearly evaporated. Add marinara, salt, pepper, thyme, sugar, and parsley. Simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Combine cottage cheese, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, and parsley in a bowl. Mix well.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce in a casserole dish. Add 3 noodles, 1/3 meat sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella. Spread with 1/2 cheese sauce. Repeat layers.
- Insert toothpicks over lasagna. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and broil until cheese turns golden. Let lasagna rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to prevent a mushy lasagna.
- Letting the lasagna rest allows for easier slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
