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Quick & Easy Lasagna

This lasagna is a holiday crowd-pleaser, rich with layers of gooey cheese, savory meat, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Min-Jae Park - Head Chef
By Min-Jae Park
4.7 (150 reviews)
Jump to Recipe
Delicious Quick & Easy Lasagna - homemade Italian comfort food recipe
Quick & Easy Lasagna - Ready to enjoy

Imagine a chilly holiday evening, the aroma of rich tomato sauce and bubbling cheese wafting through your home. This Quick & Easy Lasagna is not just a dish; it's an experience. Layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese come together in a symphony of flavors that warms the soul. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this lasagna promises to deliver comfort and joy with every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this lasagna truly special is its simplicity and the way it brings people together. The rich, meaty sauce, simmered to perfection, mingles effortlessly with layers of creamy ricotta and mozzarella, creating a dish that's both satisfying and heartwarming. The ease of preparation means you can spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a practical choice for busy holiday schedules. It's a dish that embodies the spirit of sharing and warmth, making every gathering memorable.

Step-by-step preparation of Quick & Easy Lasagna showing ingredients and initial cooking steps
Preparing the ingredients
Cooking process for Quick & Easy Lasagna showing technique and proper timing
During the cooking process

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Baking Dish

Essential for layering and baking the lasagna to perfection

Large Skillet

Perfect for browning the meat and simmering the sauce

Mixing Bowl

Ideal for combining cheeses and other ingredients smoothly

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Bread

Complements the rich flavors with a crunchy, buttery texture

Caesar Salad

Offers a refreshing, crisp contrast to the hearty lasagna

Red Wine

Enhances the savory notes with its bold, fruity profile

Perfectly cooked Quick & Easy Lasagna served and ready to eat - final result
The perfect finished result

Pro Tips

  • For a richer flavor, simmer your sauce with a splash of red wine.
  • Use a mix of mozzarella and ricotta for a creamy, dreamy texture.
  • Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly for the best results.

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Quick & Easy Lasagna

Indulge in this comforting lasagna, where each bite offers a delightful blend of melted cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and tender pasta sheets.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 8 yields
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

πŸ’‘ Click on ingredients to check them off!

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

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  1. 1
    Prepare the Noodles
    Boil lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Cook the Beef
    In a skillet, heat olive oil and sautΓ© garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
  3. 3
    Mix the Cheese
    In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. 4
    Layer the Lasagna
    In a baking dish, spread marinara sauce, then layer noodles, beef, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
  5. 5
    Bake the Lasagna
    Preheat oven to 375Β°F. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes.
  6. 6
    Serve and Enjoy
    Let cool slightly. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 450
Total Fat 18.0g
Carbohydrates 40.0g
Protein 28.0g

Chef's Notes

  • Layer your lasagna with love, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of flavors.
  • Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the layers set beautifully.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
  • A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a delightful, savory crust that’s irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Prepare your lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve for a stress-free meal.

Reheat your lasagna in the oven at 350Β°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. This ensures it heats evenly and maintains its delicious, gooey texture.

Yes, you can freeze lasagna! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

To avoid watery lasagna, drain excess fat from the meat and use a thick sauce. Letting it rest before serving also helps the layers firm up, preventing excess moisture.