If there’s one classic comfort food that brings everyone around the table with smiles, it’s lasagna. This easy lasagna recipe is a hearty, cheesy, layered pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays. With its rich meat sauce, creamy layers of cheese, and tender noodles, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Lasagna is the kind of dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers homemade flavor without complicated steps.
History / Background
Lasagna is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where the word “laganon” referred to flat sheets of pasta dough. Over centuries, the recipe evolved into the baked layered pasta dish we know today, particularly popular in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
In Italian households, lasagna isn’t just food — it’s tradition. Families often prepare it for celebrations and gatherings. The classic version layers pasta sheets with rich ragù, creamy béchamel, and generous cheese. In America, lasagna gained massive popularity thanks to its comforting flavors and ability to feed a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna might seem like a labor of love, but this version is designed to be easy, approachable, and absolutely delicious.
- ✅ Beginner-friendly — no advanced culinary skills required
- 🕒 Great for make-ahead meals
- 🧀 Gooey, cheesy, hearty layers
- 🍽️ Perfect for family dinners and gatherings
- 💵 Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what makes this lasagna so irresistible:
- Lasagna Noodles – Traditional or oven-ready pasta sheets work perfectly. If using regular noodles, pre-cook them al dente.
- Ground Beef – Provides rich flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Onion & Garlic – The flavor base for the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Crushed Tomatoes – Gives the lasagna its rich, savory base. You can also use marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess between layers. Cottage cheese can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Mozzarella Cheese – For that classic stretchy, melty topping.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty depth.
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large spoon or ladle
- Whisk
- Saucepan (if making sauce from scratch)
- Aluminum foil
Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic easy lasagna recipe with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella — perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (traditional or oven-ready)
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook noodles according to package directions if not using oven-ready. Drain and set aside.
- Brown meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half the parmesan.
- Assemble: Spread 1 cup meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat for 3 layers.
- Top & Bake: Finish with sauce, mozzarella, and remaining parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and sausage.
- Letting it rest prevents a messy cut.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking for easy weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pan)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Tips & Variations
- 🌿 Vegetarian: Swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- 🧀 Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina cheese for a richer melt.
- 🌶️ Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- 🍅 White lasagna: Substitute red sauce with a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use a combination of mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Always let lasagna rest after baking — this allows the layers to set.
- Add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce for depth.
- Season each layer lightly for balanced flavor throughout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking noodles – Slightly undercook them since they’ll finish baking in the oven.
- Skipping the resting time – This causes messy slices.
- Too much sauce – Leads to soggy layers.
- Uneven layers – Make sure to spread the ricotta evenly.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual slices or warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Meal prep: Assemble lasagna up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap unbaked lasagna tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour or thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
- A side of roasted vegetables
- Red wine or sparkling water with lemon
FAQs Section
Q1: Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time and work beautifully in this recipe.
Q2: Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely. Replace the meat with veggies or use a plant-based protein.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q4: How long does lasagna need to rest before serving?
10–15 minutes is ideal for clean slices.
Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.
Q6: How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Drain excess fat and let sauce simmer until thick. Avoid over-saucing layers.
Q7: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classics, but ricotta or cottage cheese adds creaminess.
Conclusion
This easy lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So grab your apron, layer up those noodles, and bring a little taste of Italy to your kitchen. 🍝
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it, and share it on Pinterest. Your feedback helps more home cooks discover this delicious dish!