Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce are complemented by creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheeses. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to please. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 9 lasagna noodles

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ¾ cup chopped yellow onion

• 1 pound ground beef

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 48 ounces marinara sauce (about 6 cups)

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 egg

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese

• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 cups)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package directions for the minimum time. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay the noodles on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

3. While the noodles cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. In a medium bowl, beat the egg and mix in the ricotta cheese. Set aside.

7. To assemble the lasagna, spread about 1 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread ⅓ of the remaining sauce over the noodles. Add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella and ⅓ of the Parmesan.

8. Repeat this layer with the remaining ingredients: 3 noodles, ½ of the remaining sauce, the rest of the ricotta, and half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

9. For the top layer, use the remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

10. Cover the lasagna with foil that’s been sprayed with cooking spray on the underside (to prevent the cheese from sticking). Bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and the lasagna is bubbly.

11. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 45 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Sausage: For extra flavor, add ½ pound of Italian sausage along with the ground beef.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini, for a meatless lasagna.

• Spinach Lasagna: Layer in cooked spinach with the ricotta mixture for an extra veggie-packed dish.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version of this classic dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add 15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I freeze lasagna before baking?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze the lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 15 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

How long should I bake the lasagna?

Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. You can also add Italian sausage for additional flavor.

Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can replace the ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of mascarpone and cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After boiling the noodles, rinse them with cold water and lay them out on parchment paper. This will help keep them from sticking to each other.

Can I use a no-boil lasagna noodle?

Yes, no-boil noodles work well in this recipe. Just layer them as you would with regular noodles, and they’ll cook in the sauce during baking.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is bubbly, lightly browned, and the sauce is hot. If unsure, you can insert a thermometer into the center—it should read 165°F (74°C).

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan between the layers or on top.

How do I get my lasagna to set properly?

Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to firm up and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion

This classic lasagna recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or feeding a crowd. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you make it ahead of time or bake it right away, this lasagna will satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy!