Lasagna is one of those magical comfort foods that just brings the family together. I remember my first attempt at making homemade lasagna—it was a disaster, to say the least. The noodles were overcooked, the sauce was too watery, and let’s not talk about how burnt the edges got. But that mishap didn’t stop me! After googling “easy lasagna recipes,” I stumbled upon this gem that has since become a staple in my household. This Easy Homemade Lasagna is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition-in-the-making that I can whip up without breaking a sweat. Plus, the smell of it bubbling away in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily throw in some veggies if you’re feeling particularly healthy (kudos to you!), or you can stick with the classic meat sauce if you prefer. Every bite is a warm hug, and I guarantee you’ll get requests for seconds! So, let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!
What’s in Easy Homemade Lasagna?
- Lasagna noodles: You’ll need 12 classic lasagna noodles for that perfect layered structure. You can use regular or no-boil noodles depending on your preference.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: One pound is perfect for adding a hearty, savory flavor. I usually opt for lean beef or spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick!
- Onion: Just one small onion, chopped, for that aromatic base. I always recommend yellow onions for their sweetness.
- Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic add a hit of flavor that’s irresistible. Fresh garlic is best, but go ahead and use powdered if you’re in a pinch!
- Marinara sauce: A 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce comes to the rescue here. I often go for Rao’s Homemade for a rich flavor, but any brand you love will do.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese creates that distinct lasagna texture. You’ll need 15 oz, and trust me, it’s worth it!
- Egg: Just one egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together, creating a luscious filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: About 2 cups of this melty goodness will give your lasagna that cheesy top we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A cup of this salty goodness elevates the flavor to the next level. Use the real stuff if you can—it makes a difference!
- Fresh parsley: A bit for garnish, adding a splash of color and freshness. You could also use basil depending on what you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to taste, but oh-so-important for making all the flavors pop!
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs give your sauce an authentic Italian flavor—trust me, you need them!
Is Easy Homemade Lasagna Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—it’s lasagna, so while it’s not exactly a health food, there are some benefits worth noting. First off, lasagna is packed with protein from the ground beef and ricotta cheese, which is great for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full. The garlic adds not just flavor but also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. And if you decide to load it with veggies like spinach or zucchini, you’ll be upping the nutrients quite a bit!
However, if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, be mindful of the cheese and meat content, which can make this dish quite rich. You could opt for turkey instead of beef or add a few extra cups of vegetables to lighten things up a bit. At the end of the day, balance is key, and this lasagna is meant to be enjoyed!
Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna?
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your lasagna is ready to bake.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set them aside. Just a heads-up—be sure to drizzle a bit of olive oil on them to avoid sticking!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion. When the meat is nicely browned, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Next, stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Let this simmer for about 5-10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This is your cheesy layer of goodness!
- To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles atop the sauce.
- Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the meat sauce, and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process once more.
- Finish with the remaining noodles, a generous amount of meat sauce, the rest of the mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (you can spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake for 25 minutes.
- Take off the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until that cheese is bubbly and perfectly golden.
- Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before slicing—you want it to firm up just a bit. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving!
Lasagna Love Tips and Tricks!
- Pair this lasagna with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
- Feeling adventurous? Swap out a few noodles for layers of sautéed spinach or zucchini to add some veggies without sacrificing flavor.
- If you have leftovers (which you probably won’t, but just in case), they make for an amazing next-day lunch!
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to your meat sauce and letting it simmer away.
This Easy Homemade Lasagna is so simple yet so satisfying that I promise it’ll become a family favorite. It’s perfect for gatherings, shared dinners, or even a cozy night in with loved ones. If you try this recipe, I would love to hear how it went! Don’t forget to take a picture because your friends will want to see just how delicious it turned out. Happy cooking!
