There’s something universally comforting about a plate of lasagna. The rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make for an irresistible combination. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this easy lasagna recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can also customize this lasagna to your taste by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even swapping out the ground beef for a vegetarian or turkey alternative. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal dish for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 teaspoons dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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9 cooked lasagna noodles
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15 ounces ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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While the sauce is simmering, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
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Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with a third of the ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese.
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Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction: A Classic Comfort Food Staple
Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition, a comfort food passed down through generations, and a dish that has found its way into homes across the globe. Known for its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and herbs, lasagna is the epitome of indulgence. If there’s one recipe that offers the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness, it’s this Easy Lasagna. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This Easy Lasagna recipe stands out because it combines the convenience of a quick, straightforward process with the delicious depth of flavor that lasagna is famous for. Unlike some traditional recipes that can be time-consuming and intricate, this version simplifies the cooking steps without compromising on taste. It’s ideal for busy cooks who still want to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use ground beef, but you can also swap it out for turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your dietary preferences. If you’re vegetarian or simply want to add more veggies, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be easily incorporated. This adaptability allows you to customize the dish to fit your needs.
Additionally, this lasagna recipe is made with pantry staples. The tomato-based meat sauce is rich, tangy, and perfectly spiced, providing the ideal foundation for the pasta layers. The creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella bring in the perfect texture contrast, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The result is a lasagna that’s as satisfying as it is delicious, without requiring hours of preparation.
The History of Lasagna
Lasagna’s origins trace back to ancient Rome, where early forms of the dish were made with layers of pasta and sauces. Over time, this dish evolved, incorporating the rich flavors and ingredients associated with Italian cuisine. By the time it reached the United States in the 19th century, lasagna became a staple in many American households, especially in areas with large Italian-American communities.
The traditional lasagna recipe we recognize today often includes layers of noodles, cheese, and meat sauce, making it a hearty and filling dish. Its comfort-food status can be attributed to its ability to bring people together, often served during family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. While lasagna may have humble origins, it’s now a beloved dish worldwide, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.
Health Benefits of Lasagna
While lasagna is often considered indulgent, it does offer nutritional benefits when made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The key ingredients in this Easy Lasagna recipe—ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and tomatoes—offer protein, calcium, and essential vitamins. Ground beef is a great source of protein, providing the body with the building blocks it needs for muscle and tissue repair. Ricotta cheese adds calcium, which is essential for bone health, and mozzarella provides a creamy texture with a dose of protein as well.
Tomatoes, the base of the meat sauce, are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. The inclusion of herbs like basil and oregano not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. While this dish is hearty, it’s also packed with nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
For those looking to make a healthier version, this recipe is highly customizable. You can substitute regular pasta noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for a fiber boost. You can also use lean ground turkey or plant-based proteins to lower the fat content, and incorporate more vegetables into the sauce or as layers between the pasta. The beauty of this lasagna is that it can be adjusted to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
How to Make the Best Lasagna
Making lasagna might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a few simple tips, you can create a masterpiece in your kitchen. The first step in making a great lasagna is to cook the pasta properly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package to avoid overcooking or undercooking the noodles. Undercooked noodles can become too firm and chewy, while overcooked noodles may become too soft and fall apart during baking.
Next, when preparing the meat sauce, don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the sauce cook slowly allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, deep flavor that infuses the lasagna. Be sure to season the sauce with plenty of salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the overall taste.
Assembling the lasagna requires careful layering. Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking. Then alternate layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella, ensuring each layer is evenly spread. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
One key to making your lasagna stand out is to bake it covered with foil at first, then remove the foil toward the end to allow the cheese to brown and bubble up. This will give you that signature golden, crispy top that makes lasagna so irresistible.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Lasagna is one of those dishes that transcends any season or occasion. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight meal, but it also holds its own at festive events like family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. Its ability to serve a crowd with minimal effort makes it a go-to for potlucks and dinner parties.
This recipe also makes excellent leftovers, which means you can enjoy lasagna for several meals. The flavors often improve after a day or two, making it a great meal prep option. You can even freeze portions for a future meal when you don’t have time to cook.
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make substitutions. The lasagna is versatile, as you can make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or even vegan by swapping out a few ingredients. Whether you are feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Easy Lasagna recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Conclusion
Lasagna is undoubtedly one of the most comforting and satisfying dishes you can make. Its combination of rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and soft pasta makes it a timeless favorite that pleases all palates. This Easy Lasagna recipe allows you to enjoy all the traditional flavors with minimal fuss, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this lasagna recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, with its ability to be customized to suit your preferences, it’s a dish that can adapt to any dietary need, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.