Lasagna is a universal comfort food that never fails to impress. But traditional recipes often seem intimidating, requiring hours of preparation and multiple steps. This Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight chef, or someone craving hearty comfort food, this recipe gives you a perfectly layered, cheesy, and savory lasagna in under an hour.

You’ll also find tips to make it extra creamy, variations for dietary needs, and a handy YouTube link for visual guidance: Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe Video.

Why This Lasagna Works

Unlike traditional baked lasagna, this recipe uses:

• Oven-ready noodles: No boiling required.
• Layered sauce and cheese: Ensures even flavor and gooey texture.
• Quick-cooking meat sauce: Pre-seasoned and simmered to save time.

The result is a dish that feels indulgent but comes together fast—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute family gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 9–12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Olive oil for sautéing

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay down 3 oven-ready noodles.
4. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over noodles.
5. Add 1/3 of the meat sauce on top.
6. Repeat layers twice.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to set layers.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook noodles: Oven-ready noodles cook during baking; extra boiling is unnecessary.
• Layer evenly: Helps avoid soggy spots or dry edges.
• Use fresh cheese: Grated mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan melt better.
• Rest before cutting: This allows the layers to firm up.

Variations You Can Try

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace meat with sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Creamy Spinach Lasagna: Add spinach to ricotta layer for extra creaminess.
• White Sauce Lasagna: Use Alfredo or béchamel instead of marinara for a creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
• Perfect for hearty comfort food meals or weeknight dinners.
• Serve with red wine or sparkling water for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual slices with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Table: Quick Comparison of Lasagna Types

YouTube Tutorial

Watch a step-by-step video to guide your cooking:
Quick & Easy Lasagna Recipe Video

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

3. Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes. Oven-ready noodles work perfectly and save time.