If there’s one dish that feels like the ultimate comfort in a casserole dish, it’s Easy Lasagna. This crowd-pleasing favorite layers tender noodles with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, creating a meal that’s as perfect for family dinners as it is for casual get-togethers. The best part? It lives up to its name—it’s absolutely unfussy and straightforward, making it the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Let’s dive in and discover why Easy Lasagna deserves a regular spot at your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for Easy Lasagna are these classic ingredients, each playing their own special role in flavor, texture, and oozy, cheesy satisfaction. No complicated items or hard-to-find cheeses—just simple staples that come together beautifully.

Lasagna noodles: These form the sturdy, satisfying layers that hold everything together—cook them al dente for just the right bite.
Lean ground beef: The heart of the meaty sauce, bringing savory depth and protein to every slice.
Onion: Minced onion adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic base to the sauce.
Garlic: Three fresh cloves, minced, make the sauce sing with bold Italian flavor.
Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara sauce keeps things quick while still tasting homemade.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and perfect for spreading, ricotta helps deliver that luscious, soft layer in every forkful.
Large egg: Whisked into the ricotta, it helps bind everything together for clean, perfect slices.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Two cups divided, so you can enjoy melty, stretchy cheese in every single layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The sharp, salty finish on top that brings all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley or dried parsley: Adds a burst of color and a whisper of herbiness to the creamy filling.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight all the goodness in the sauce and filling.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that infuses the sauce with quintessential Italian flavor in seconds.
Olive oil: Just a splash softens the vegetables and helps brown the beef perfectly.

How to Make Easy Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Start by boiling the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Aim for al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you want them just tender enough to bend but not mushy. Once cooked, drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet lined with a little oil or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This little step makes assembling your Easy Lasagna a breeze later on!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your noodles are cooling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté is where the savory flavors begin—the onion softens and gets just a touch sweet, while the garlic gives your kitchen that irresistible Italian aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Build the Sauce

Add your lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned and crumbled, pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Let it simmer for five minutes. The meat soaks up the sauce, infusing every bite with classic, savory flavor that truly makes Easy Lasagna shine.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, chopped parsley, and half of your grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good mix so everything is even and creamy—the egg binds the filling, the parsley brings a fresh note, and the Parmesan adds that unmistakable umami depth.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna

Here’s where the magic happens! Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down three noodles, then slather on a third of your ricotta mixture. Add a third of the meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times—noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella—ending with a final layer of noodles, the last of the sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. These layers bake together into a perfect, sliceable Easy Lasagna, with every piece as satisfying as the first.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to become bubbly and golden-brown. The fragrance that fills your kitchen during this step is pure anticipation—wait just ten minutes after baking to make slicing a breeze, and you’ll be ready to serve Easy Lasagna that holds together beautifully on every plate.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna

Garnishes

A generous shake of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese on top can instantly make your Easy Lasagna look restaurant-ready. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes invites guests to customize their slices just how they like.

Side Dishes

This dish plays exceptionally well with bright, crunchy salads—think a classic Caesar, peppery arugula, or a simple Italian chopped salad with lots of fresh veggies. Toasty garlic bread or soft, warm rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Easy Lasagna into thick, hearty squares and stack them for a towering, impressive presentation on a platter. For a cozy touch, serve it straight from the baking dish, family style. Looking for a unique twist? Try layering lasagna in individual ramekins for a dinner party-friendly approach—each guest gets their own bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Easy Lasagna (lucky you!), wrap the cooled slices tightly with foil or place them in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making for the best kind of leftovers—just as delicious on day two or three!

Freezing

To freeze, let your baked lasagna cool to room temperature, then wrap the entire dish (or individual slices) well in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date, and it will be ready for you in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re short on time or need dinner in a flash, a chunk of Easy Lasagna straight from the freezer is a lifesaver.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Easy Lasagna covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 25-30 minutes for a whole dish). Individual slices can also be microwaved—just sprinkle with a little extra water or sauce to keep them moist. Either way, the flavors meld and the cheese gets melty all over again!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire lasagna up to one day before you plan to bake it. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when you’re ready for dinner. This makes it perfect for meal prep or when entertaining guests.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

If you’d like a lighter version, try ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also sneak in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies and a boost of color.

How do I know when lasagna is done baking?

Your Easy Lasagna is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden-brown, and you can see some of the sauce bubbling around the edges. Letting it rest after baking ensures neat slices that hold together well.

Can I use no-boil noodles?

Yes! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with no-boil noodles—just make sure there’s plenty of sauce to soften them as they bake. You may want to add a few tablespoons of water to your marinara to keep everything luscious and moist.

What’s the best way to cut and serve lasagna?

Let your Easy Lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking, then use a sharp knife to cut clean squares. A metal spatula will help lift each piece out intact, ensuring a beautiful presentation every time.

Final Thoughts

Easy Lasagna is more than just a recipe—it’s a weeknight hero, a dinner party pleaser, and one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or sharing with friends, give this recipe a try and discover just how simple and satisfying homemade lasagna can be. You’ll be reaching for this classic again and again!

Easy Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Lasagna recipe is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese come together to create a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Lasagna Noodles:

12 lasagna noodles

Meat Sauce:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Mixture:

1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook noodles: Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet.
Prepare meat sauce: In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Assemble: Layer meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers. Cover with foil and bake.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This lasagna can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Consider adding sautéed spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American