Easy Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Description
This Easy Lasagna recipe from Love With Recipes is a family favorite that’s quick to prepare and delicious to eat. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melting mozzarella, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a meal for the week, or feeding a hungry family, this lasagna will satisfy everyone’s cravings. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make even on busy weeknights, but it still has that homemade, hearty taste.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 to 1 1/2 lbs | Use lean ground beef for a healthier option |
| Ragu Chunky Tomato Sauce | 3 cups | With extra tomatoes, onions, and garlic for added flavor |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Water | 3/4 cup | For thinning out the sauce |
| Ricotta Cheese | 9 oz | Creamy and rich for a smooth texture between the layers |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup | Shredded |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup | Freshly grated for an extra burst of flavor |
| Lasagna Noodles | 9 | Uncooked, traditional flat noodles |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 305.4 kcal |
| Fat | 17.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 62.2 mg |
| Sodium | 364.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17.9 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 1.2 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
Instructions
-
Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for a leaner lasagna, so be sure to remove as much fat as possible. -
Make the Sauce
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Add the Ragu chunky tomato sauce, the minced garlic, and 3/4 cup of water to the pan. Stir the mixture well to combine. Increase the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. -
Prepare the Lasagna Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking pan, begin assembling the lasagna. Start with a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent the noodles from sticking. Layer 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. -
Layer Ricotta and Sauce
Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Follow this with about 1/3 of the meat sauce mixture. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This will create a rich, cheesy layer. -
Add Another Layer
Place 3 more uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the first layer. Spread the remaining ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by another 1/3 of the meat sauce. Save just enough sauce to cover the top layer later. Then, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. -
Finish the Layers
For the top layer, add the last 3 uncooked noodles. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, ensuring that all the noodles are well covered. Sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finish. -
Cover and Bake
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for keeping the moisture in and ensuring the noodles cook evenly. Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The foil will trap heat and steam, making the noodles tender and infusing the flavors into every bite. -
Rest Before Serving
Once the lasagna is baked, remove it from the oven and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut into perfect squares. The waiting time also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. -
Serve and Enjoy
After the lasagna has rested, cut it into squares and serve. Enjoy the layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese with your family or guests.
Tips for Success
-
Noodle Tips: You can break the lasagna noodles to fit any spaces in the pan if they don’t perfectly cover the layers. Just make sure the noodles are slightly submerged in the sauce to cook properly. Also, the noodles will expand a bit as they cook, so they should fit even better during baking.
-
Make Ahead: This lasagna is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the day before and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pop it into the oven and bake as usual.
-
Freezing: If you want to store leftovers or prepare a future meal, lasagna freezes very well. Simply wrap it tightly in foil after it has cooled, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen (covered with foil) at 375°F for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
“I made this lasagna for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit! The flavors were perfect, and the preparation was so simple. Will definitely make it again.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
“Such an easy and delicious lasagna! I loved how the sauce was chunky and full of flavor. My kids devoured it, and I had to go back for seconds!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
“This recipe is a life-saver when I need a comforting meal in a hurry. I like that the noodles cook directly in the sauce, making everything come together so effortlessly.”
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna is the perfect dish when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it delivers all the flavors of a traditional lasagna without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a family dinner, it’s bound to be a favorite on your table. Enjoy!
