Lasagna is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this dish always steals the show. But here’s the thing—making lasagna doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this easy recipe, you can create a hearty, cheesy, and delicious lasagna without breaking a sweat.

Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with the easiest lasagna recipe ever!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Recipe

Everyone loves lasagna, but many shy away from making it because it seems overwhelming. This recipe simplifies the process while preserving the classic flavors you crave. It’s perfect for beginners and busy cooks who want to enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.

Ingredients for the Easiest Lasagna Recipe

Before diving into the steps, let’s gather everything you need.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Lasagna noodles	12
Ground beef	1 pound
Marinara sauce	1 jar (24 ounces)
Ricotta cheese	15 ounces
Egg	1
Shredded mozzarella cheese	3 cups
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tablespoons (+ extra)
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Italian seasoning (optional)	1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Lasagna

1. Prepping the Ingredients

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean towel to prevent sticking.
While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the ground beef. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the other components.

2. Making the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Layering the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan over the ricotta.
Add another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the process (noodles, ricotta, cheese, sauce) two more times, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

4. Baking the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh pop of color.

Tips for Success

1. Choosing the Right Noodles

Regular boiled lasagna noodles work great, but you can save time with oven-ready lasagna noodles. Just adjust the liquid in your sauce slightly to ensure they cook properly.

2. Enhancing the Flavor

Add minced garlic and diced onions to the ground beef for an extra layer of flavor.
Swap out ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick.

3. Making It Your Own

Vegetarian? Replace the meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Want a creamy twist? Add a layer of béchamel sauce between the noodles and ricotta.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	410
Protein	27g
Carbohydrates	26g
Fat	21g
Sodium	820mg

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lasagna with these simple and delicious sides:

Garlic Bread: The perfect crispy companion to soak up all that sauce.
Caesar Salad: A fresh and tangy contrast to the rich lasagna.
Steamed Vegetables: Add some lightness with broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

FAQs About Lasagna

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.

2. Can I freeze lasagna?

Yes, lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap the assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, or until heated through.

3. How do I avoid soggy lasagna?

Drain the cooked noodles well and let your meat sauce simmer until it’s slightly thickened. This prevents excess moisture from making the layers soggy.

4. Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought ricotta works perfectly. For a creamier texture, mix it with a little heavy cream or milk.

5. How long does leftover lasagna last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

6. What can I do with leftover lasagna noodles?

Leftover noodles can be cut into strips and added to soups, tossed with sauce as a quick pasta dish, or layered into a smaller, individual lasagna.

Conclusion

There you have it—the easiest lasagna recipe that delivers mouthwatering results every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start layering your way to lasagna perfection. Your taste buds will thank you!