Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. If using them, add an extra 1/4 cup of water to your sauce as they need more liquid to cook properly during baking. You may also need to adjust your baking time according to the package directions.

Why does my lasagna turn out runny?

Runny lasagna usually happens when there's too much moisture. Make sure to drain your meat well after browning, don't oversauce your layers, and always let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This resting period allows the lasagna to set up and reabsorb any excess liquid.

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the meat with 2 pounds of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Add the vegetables to your sauce and proceed with the recipe as written. You might want to add extra seasonings like Italian herbs to enhance the flavor.

How do I know when my lasagna is fully cooked?

Your lasagna is done when it's bubbling around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. If you've used regular noodles and pre-cooked them as directed, the baking time is primarily to heat everything through and meld the flavors.

Easy Lasagna Recipe

Name: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked; 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided; ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded and divided; ½ pound lean ground beef; ½ pound Italian sausage; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 36 ounces pasta sauce (your favorite jarred sauce); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 egg, beaten; ¼ cup parmesan cheese

This Easy Lasagna recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a magnificent feast of flavors and textures! With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, and a trio of cheeses that melt into pure comfort, this lasagna strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and impressive results. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect solution for family dinners or weekend gatherings when you want something special without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof and Forgiving: Even if you’re new to making lasagna, this recipe guides you through each step for perfect results every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when needed – ideal for busy schedules or entertaining.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of three cheeses and two types of meat creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The richness of the cheese mixture perfectly complements the savory meat sauce, creating that classic lasagna taste we all crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna Noodles: The foundation of our dish. I like using traditional noodles that need pre-cooking as they hold up well and have the perfect texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that quintessential stretch and mild flavor that makes lasagna so satisfying. Fresh or pre-shredded both work great.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances all the other flavors. Always go for freshly grated if possible.
Ground Beef: Provides heartiness and texture. Lean beef (85/15) works best as it offers flavor without excessive grease.
Italian Sausage: The secret flavor booster! Brings in herbs and spices that transform the meat sauce from good to amazing.
Onion and Garlic: The aromatic foundation that builds depth in the sauce. Don’t skip these!
Pasta Sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce saves time without sacrificing flavor. Choose a high-quality sauce as it’s a key component.
Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, light layer between the hearty meat sauce. It’s worth getting good-quality ricotta for the best texture.
Cottage Cheese: Works with the ricotta to create a perfectly balanced cheese layer – not too heavy, not too light.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese mixture, helping it set up properly when baked.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your lasagna? Here are some delicious options:

Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes in the meat sauce for a touch of heat.
Alternative Proteins: Replace the beef and sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations: Try provolone or fontina in place of some of the mozzarella for a flavor twist.
Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 8 oz of sautéed mushrooms to the meat sauce for an earthy umami boost.

How to Make Easy Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Components

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to package directions – they should have a slight firmness as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta boils, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Finish the Meat Sauce

Add your favorite jarred pasta sauce to the meat mixture and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This quick simmer makes all the difference in developing the sauce’s flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups of mozzarella, ¼ cup of parmesan, all the ricotta, cottage cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix until well incorporated. This three-cheese mixture creates the perfect creamy layer in your lasagna.

Step 4: Begin Assembly

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and starts building flavor from the bottom up.

Step 5: Create the Layers

Lay 3 lasagna noodles side by side over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process twice more.

Step 6: Final Layer and Cheese Topping

For the top layer, place the final 3 noodles, cover with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This creates that irresistible golden, bubbly top that everyone fights over.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This crucial step lets the layers set and makes for cleaner, more presentable servings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Noodles Properly: Don’t overcook the pasta – it should be firmer than you’d normally serve it since it continues cooking in the oven.
Sauce Consistency: If your meat sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to achieve the perfect consistency.
Even Layers: Take time to spread each layer evenly to the edges of the pan for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Cheese Distribution: Reserve enough cheese for a generous top layer – that golden crust is what makes lasagna special.
Foil Trick: Spray the underside of your foil with cooking spray before covering the lasagna to prevent cheese from sticking.
Clean Cutting: Use a sharp knife and let the lasagna rest fully before cutting for picture-perfect squares.

How to Serve

Lasagna is a meal in itself, but these accompaniments make it even better:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf makes an excellent side for sopping up extra sauce.
A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors beautifully.

Garnish Ideas:

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over each serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
A light dusting of freshly grated parmesan adds an extra touch of indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor often improves after a day as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Unbaked: Assemble, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
Baked: Cool completely, wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Refrigerated leftovers: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Frozen lasagna: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. If using them, add an extra 1/4 cup of water to your sauce as they need more liquid to cook properly during baking. You may also need to adjust your baking time according to the package directions.
Why does my lasagna turn out runny?

Runny lasagna usually happens when there’s too much moisture. Make sure to drain your meat well after browning, don’t oversauce your layers, and always let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This resting period allows the lasagna to set up and reabsorb any excess liquid.
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the meat with 2 pounds of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Add the vegetables to your sauce and proceed with the recipe as written. You might want to add extra seasonings like Italian herbs to enhance the flavor.
How do I know when my lasagna is fully cooked?

Your lasagna is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. If you’ve used regular noodles and pre-cooked them as directed, the baking time is primarily to heat everything through and meld the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna recipe delivers incredible flavor with straightforward preparation – proving that delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to be complicated. The combination of savory meat sauce and three perfectly melted cheeses creates a dish that’s sure to become a regular request in your home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for guests, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress while keeping your kitchen time manageable. Give it a try, and watch as it quickly becomes your go-to comfort food recipe!