Quick and Easy Lasagna

Why Make This Recipe

Quick & Easy Lasagna is the perfect dish for gatherings, especially during the holidays. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks. You can prepare it ahead of time and even modify it to fit dietary needs.

How to Make Quick & Easy Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
10. Layer with another third of the meat sauce.
11. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
12. Top with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
13. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
14. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
15. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Lasagna

Cut the lasagna into squares and serve it warm. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. If you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top for added flavor.

How to Store Quick & Easy Lasagna

Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze lasagna for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Quick & Easy Lasagna

• Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente; they will continue to cook while baking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms.
• You can add extra cheese or even a layer of spinach for more flavor and nutrition.

Variation

Feel free to use different types of cheese like gouda or cheddar to experiment with flavors. You could also swap marinara sauce with a white sauce for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.

2. How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. You can also check if it’s heated thoroughly by inserting a knife in the center.

3. Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a healthier or vegetarian alternative.

Quick & Easy Lasagna

A classic and crowd-pleasing lasagna with layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella, perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meats

• 1 pound lasagna noodles Cook according to package directions.
• 1 pound ground beef Brown in a skillet.

Sauces and Cheeses

• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces)
• 1 container ricotta cheese (15 ounces)
• 1 egg Mix into ricotta.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for layering.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Layering

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Layer with another third of the meat sauce.
6. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Baking

1. Bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms. You can also freeze lasagna for up to three months.