The Best Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy and satisfying lasagna recipe, look no further! This recipe is simple to make, thanks to a secret shortcut of using store-bought marinara sauce, but still delivers all the flavor of a homemade dish. It’s a perfect family meal, great for Sunday dinners or when feeding a crowd. The combination of ground beef, cheeses, and marinara sauce creates a classic lasagna that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles

• Onion

• Ground beef

• Garlic

• Marinara sauce (48 ounces)

• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley

• Egg

• Ricotta cheese

• Mozzarella cheese

• Parmesan cheese

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

Directions

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic in a pan.

3. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and parsley to the meat mixture. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and the egg.

5. Shred the mozzarella cheese.

6. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place three noodles over the sauce, followed by a third of the remaining sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Repeat the layers.

8. For the top layer, place the final three noodles and cover with the remaining sauce and cheese.

9. Bake until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

Storage/Reheating

You can store leftover lasagna in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until steaming hot. If you want to make ahead, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

For freezing, wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze baked lasagna for up to 3 months and reheat individual servings.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but regular noodles will provide a slightly better texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetable-based sauce, or add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more texture.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara works wonderfully! You’ll need about 6 cups of sauce.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze both unbaked and baked lasagna. Be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

Ground beef with 80-85% lean meat works best for lasagna because it provides the right balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be a good substitute for ricotta in lasagna. It will slightly change the texture, but it still works well.

Can I make this with a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Be sure to slightly undercook your lasagna noodles and drain any excess moisture from the ricotta mixture to keep the lasagna from becoming watery.

Conclusion

This lasagna recipe is a go-to for busy families and anyone craving a hearty meal. With its rich layers of cheese, meat sauce, and noodles, it's a classic dish that's always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with tips on storing, freezing, and reheating, this lasagna is as practical as it is delicious.

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The Best Lasagna Recipe

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This Best Lasagna Recipe features layers of hearty meat sauce, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a mouthwatering comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for busy families or large gatherings. With a blend of ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with marinara sauce, this lasagna will become a family favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Lasagna noodles

1 onion (chopped)

1 lb ground beef

3 cloves garlic (minced)

48 ounces marinara sauce

Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste

Fresh parsley (chopped)

1 egg

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• In a pan, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic.

• Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

• In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese and the egg.

• Shred mozzarella cheese.

• To assemble, spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, then layer noodles, sauce, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.

• For the top layer, add the final noodles, sauce, and remaining cheese.

• Bake in a preheated oven until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted (about 1 hour).

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

• Freezing: Freeze both baked and unbaked lasagna. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.