Easy Lasagna Recipe
Growing up Lasagna was always one of my favorite meals to eat with my family. My mom used to make this easy lasagna recipe for me and my brothers ahead of time and all we would have to do is heat it up and enjoy! I really enjoy sharing these recipes that have been in my family and this one is super easy and comforting.
If you need another delicious family style meal like this lasagna recipe, try my Seafood Gumbo next!
This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family functions , or holidays when you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines the richness of Italian flavors with the simplicity of preparation. Each layer is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making this lasagna a true family favorite.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY LASAGNA RECIPE
There are many reasons to love my easy lasagna recipe! This recipe has flavorful layers, customizable ingredients, and has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Flavorful Layers: The carefully crafted layers of rich, savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese create a symphony of flavors that delight the palate.
- Customizable: This easy lasagna recipe offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to personalize it with your preferred choice of cheeses, vegetables, or herbs, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.
- Perfect Balance: The combination of textures, from the tender lasagna noodles to the gooey melted cheese, is perfectly balanced, ensuring a satisfying and indulgent dining experience.
Lasagna Ingredients
Each ingredient in this easy lasagna recipe plays an important role in developing the texture and flavor that makes this perfect for any occasion.
- Lasagna noodles – for the sturdy base that holds all the layers of this easy lasagna recipe together.
- Ground beef & Italian Sausage – provides a robust, savory flavor.
- Tomato sauce, crushed tomato, and tomato paste – adds a rich and tangy tomato flavor to the dish.
- Ricotta cheese – lends a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Mozzarella cheese – gives the dish its signature gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese – enhances the overall richness and depth of flavor.
- Eggs – binds the cheese mixture together.
- Fresh basil – for a burst of aromatic freshness.
- Seasoning: Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning, Bayou City Garlic Pepper, herbs de provence.
How To Make this Lasagna recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese,mozarella, and chopped basil/parsley .
- Begin layering the lasagna in a baking dish: start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by lasagna noodles, then meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips for this easy Lasagna recipe:
- Ensure your meat sauce is well-seasoned to enhance the overall flavor of this easy lasagna recipe.
- Cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Let the lasagna rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
How to Make the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well-combined and smooth.
How to Store Leftover Lasagna:
This lasagna recipe is easy to store and tastes even better the next day. Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lasagna Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this easy lasagna recipe.
Can I assemble the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
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Easy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 lb italian sausage out of the casing
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz tomato sauce
- 28 oz crushed tomato
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp herbs de provence
- 2 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- 2 tbsp Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
- 4 fresh basil leaves chiffonade
Ricotta Spread
- 32 oz ricotta
- 24 oz mozarella shredded
- 1 cup parmesan grated
- 8 oz goat cheese
- 1/2 cup parsley chopped
- 1 box (16oz) lasagna sheets
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- pre heat oven to 350 F
Meat sauce
- In a heavy bottom pot brown your ground beef and Italian sausage, drain if necessary.
- Finely chop your onion and add to the pot with browned ground beef/Italian sausage. Cook for 1 minute and then add minced garlic.
- To the pot add in your tomato sauce, crushed tomato, and tomato paste, mix well, and bring to a simmer.
- Season with Bayou City Seasonings, herbs de provence, and half of the basil (chopped)
- Cover and let simmer on low for 45 minutes. Stirring occasionally
Ricotta spread
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of your mozzarella, goat cheese, grated parmesan, parsley (finely chopped), and Bayou City AP. Set aside.
- (The other Half of the mozzarella will be for when you are layering your lasagna)
Lasagna
- Slightly undercook your lasagna sheets according to package instructions
- Cover the bottom of your baking dish with your meat sauce and start layering
- I layer mine: meat sauce, lasagna sheets, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, lasagna sheets, and repeat until you run out of space. Top layer should be meat sauce topped with shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Make sure to cover top with lots of cheese, evenly.
- Place in the oven, covered, for 30 minutes remove cover and cook for another 15 minutes.
- remove from the oven and let cool. it is Important to let it cool for about 30 minutes to an hour so that it holds it form when you start to serve.
- Top with fresh, chopped basil or parsley and more parmesan if that is what is in your spirit.
Notes
- Cook the lasagna noodles until they are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
- To achieve a golden, bubbly crust on top, broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Add a layer of roasted vegetables, like eggplant or bell peppers, for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
You have goat cheese as an ingredient in the ricotta mixture but it’s never mentioned again? Is goat cheese in this recipe?
add the goat cheese to the ricotta mixture. recipe directions should be updated now
Delicious and oh so easy to prep/make.