Easy Lasagna Dish

Lasagna brings everyone to the table with its comfort and abundance and this easy version is packed with flavor while saving you time in the kitchen. Layers of savory meat sauce creamy ricotta cheese and gooey mozzarella melt perfectly together for a dinner that makes everyone happy. This is my go to recipe for gatherings because it never fails to please both kids and adults and it is hearty enough to feed a crowd without fuss.

When I first made this for a neighbor who was moving in the aroma had her knocking before it was finished baking. Now I make it whenever I want to welcome someone or celebrate big family moments.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose fresh lean beef for the best texture and minimal grease
• Sweet Italian sausage: adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness look for sausage with visible herbs in the meat counter
• Minced garlic: infuses aromatic flavor use freshly minced cloves for richer taste
• Prepared spaghetti sauce: saves time and brings balanced acidity pick a sauce you enjoy on its own or try a roasted garlic variety
• Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: creates creamy layers select whole milk ricotta for richness or good quality cottage cheese as a lighter swap
• Large eggs: bind the cheese mixture to help the layers stay set use eggs with rich colored yolks for deeper flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly for those stretchy cheesy layers buy a block and shred it yourself for best melt
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a salty nutty finish freshly grated brings more punch than pre grated
• Dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley: brightens the filling with freshness dried works in a pinch but fresh gives vibrant color and flavor
• Salt: sharpens all other flavors go for kosher salt for more even seasoning
• Black pepper: brings just enough gentle heat freshly cracked is best for aroma
• Uncooked lasagna noodles: save you time use classic or no boil type but make sure your sauce is not too thick
• Water: only if your sauce is too thick to cook the noodles properly
• Cooking spray: keeps sticking to a minimum use neutral oil based spray for best results
• Aluminum foil: covers the dish to ensure even baking and cheese that does not burn

How to Make It

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown ground beef and sweet Italian sausage together in a large skillet over medium heat breaking up the meat as it cooks until no raw pink remains then drain off all excess fat for a less greasy lasagna. Add minced garlic to the browned meat and cook for one minute until fragrant then stir in the prepared spaghetti sauce and if your sauce is thick add water to ensure the noodles cook properly let this mixture simmer for five minutes so the flavors meld then remove from the heat.

Mix the Cheese Layer:

In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese or cottage cheese with eggs half of the mozzarella cheese half of the Parmesan cheese parsley salt and black pepper blend by hand until all elements are evenly incorporated and smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Spray a 9 by 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking then spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom this keeps noodles from sticking and burning. Arrange four uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce overlapping slightly then layer with one third of the ricotta mixture spreading edge to edge for even seasoning next add one fourth of the remaining meat sauce and repeat this layering two more times so you have three layers of noodles and ricotta finishing with a final layer of noodles and all remaining meat sauce. Top with a final even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for a melted bubbly golden crown.

Bake the Lasagna:

Cover tightly with aluminum foil sprayed side down to keep cheese from sticking bake in a 350 degree oven for fifty minutes covered then carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for another ten minutes for a golden top or broil for a minute for a crispier texture.

Rest and Serve:

Let the finished lasagna rest uncovered on the counter for at least ten minutes before slicing this allows the layers to set so you can serve beautiful clean squares every time.

Ricotta cheese always reminds me of Sunday dinners as a child watching my grandmother spoon it onto steaming noodles and now I get to share that creamy goodness with the next generation around my own table.

Flavor Boosters

Fresh basil in summer gives a vibrant herbal note. Use roasted butternut squash and a touch of nutmeg in the fall for warmth. Layer in sautéed greens like chard or spinach during winter for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot lasagna with garlic bread or crisp salad for contrast. A side of steamed green beans brings freshness to the plate. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds bright color just before serving.

Creative Twists

Ground turkey or chicken work well in place of beef for a lighter dish. For a vegetarian option swap the meat with chopped sautéed mushrooms and spinach. If you cannot find ricotta cottage cheese is a great creamy stand in.

Share big slices with friends or freeze portions for quick homemade comfort. Lasagna is best enjoyed together whether on a busy weeknight or for a special celebration.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I substitute the ground beef and sausage?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but adjusting seasoning might be necessary to maintain flavor balance.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Using uncooked noodles is fine when layered with sauce, but spraying foil and baking covered helps prevent sticking and retains moisture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and saves time on serving day.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a crispy top layer?

After baking covered, remove the foil and broil the lasagna for a few minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly for a crispy finish.

→ Is it necessary to let the lasagna rest after baking?

Resting allows the layers to set, making slicing cleaner and serving easier without the dish falling apart.