There’s just something so heartwarming about making easy homemade lasagna, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a dish! The layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together to create a comforting meal that feels special, yet is super simple to whip up. I love how you can throw it all together and let the oven do its magic while you take a moment to relax. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for feeding a crowd or just enjoying leftovers the next day. Trust me, once you make this easy homemade lasagna, it’ll become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions until al dente
- 1 pound ground beef, preferably lean for less grease
- 2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade for that fresh flavor
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, creamy and smooth to create the perfect filling
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for that nutty, salty kick
- 1 egg, to help bind the ricotta mixture together
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely for a pop of color and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, to season everything just right
How to Prepare Easy Homemade Lasagna
Preheat and Cook Noodles
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it helps your lasagna cook evenly and perfectly! While the oven is warming up, cook those lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so they hold up in the layers. Once they’re done, drain them and set aside. You don’t want them to stick together, so a little drizzle of olive oil helps keep them separated!
Prepare the Meat Sauce
Now, let’s get that meat sauce going! In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s nicely cooked through. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat; we want a rich sauce, not a greasy one! Next, stir in the marinara sauce, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it melds all those delicious flavors together. Learn more about making meat sauce.
Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. You’re looking for a creamy consistency, so mix it well until everything is blended. This filling is going to add a delightful creaminess to your lasagna, and trust me, it’s the star of the show! Don’t skimp on the seasoning—taste and adjust if you need to!
Assemble the Lasagna
Alright, it’s time for the fun part—assembly! Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Then, layer 4 noodles over the sauce, just like a cozy blanket. Next, add half of that creamy ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese for that melty goodness. Repeat this with another layer of meat sauce, noodles, and the remaining ricotta. Finally, top it all off with the last 4 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and pile on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. You’re building a masterpiece here!
Bake the Lasagna
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in. This cooling time is key to slicing it neatly. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy homemade lasagna that comes together in just over an hour!
- Family-friendly and loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for any gathering.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Comfort food at its finest, making every meal feel special.
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy homemade lasagna turns out perfectly, always use fresh ingredients—trust me, they make a world of difference! Don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting it sit for about 10 minutes helps the layers set, making for cleaner slices. And if you have the time, try making the meat sauce a day ahead. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, giving you an even tastier lasagna!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this easy homemade lasagna. Each slice contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also has 5g of sugar and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. It’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make easy homemade lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to swap ground beef with your favorite veggies, like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use lentils or plant-based meat for a hearty alternative!
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure you use a thick marinara sauce and drain any excess moisture from your ricotta. Letting it sit for a few minutes after baking also helps the layers set.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave it, but the oven will keep that lovely cheesy texture!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
If you want to mix things up, there are plenty of tasty substitutions you can try! For a vegetarian twist, swap out the ground beef for a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You could also use cooked lentils for a hearty texture. And if you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works beautifully in its place. Get creative and make it your own!
Print
Easy Homemade Lasagna: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy homemade lasagna made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a third of the mozzarella.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by 4 more noodles, the remaining ricotta, and another third of the mozzarella.
- Top with the last 4 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with vegetables.
- You can prepare lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy homemade lasagna
