Ah, lasagna! The dish that brings families together and fills hearts (and stomachs) with warmth, comfort, and deliciousness. This Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna holds a special spot in my heart, as it was always a staple at family gatherings when I was growing up. I remember watching my grandmother layer each noodle with care and precision, as if she were building a masterpiece! The smell of bubbling cheese and marinara sauce wafting through the air always made my mouth water. It’s hard to imagine a better way to feed a crowd with minimal fuss!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip up something that feels decadent and special. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this lasagna is versatile and forgiving. Plus, you can easily customize it depending on what you have on hand—ground beef, chicken, or even a mix of roasted veggies can make an appearance. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
What’s in Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna?
- Lasagna noodles: The backbone of any good lasagna! I typically go for Barilla or any other rustic brand because they hold up beautifully.
- Olive oil: A splash of good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the dish. I love using California Olive Ranch; it has a lovely flavor.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: I often go for Italian sausage for that flavorful kick, but ground beef is a classic choice that kids and adults adore.
- Onion and garlic: Sautéing these aromatics creates a base flavor that’s just heavenly. Fresh garlic is a must; the more, the merrier!
- Marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade, you can’t go wrong! I love Rao’s Homemade for its rich taste.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness adds a layer of richness. Don’t skimp on it; it’s what dreams are made of!
- Egg: This ingredient helps to bind the ricotta mixture and keeps everything together. A crucial element, indeed!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: You can never have too much cheese. I like to use whole milk mozzarella for that ooey-gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: It brings a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish. Freshly grated is best, but I won’t judge if you use the pre-grated stuff!
- Dried Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that complements the flavors beautifully. My secret tip? A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
- Salt and pepper: These essential seasonings will help bring out all the flavors in your dish.
- Fresh basil (optional): A classic garnishing touch that adds color and a hint of freshness.
Is Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna Good for You?
While I wouldn’t exactly call lasagna a health food, there are some redeeming qualities! With protein from the ground meat and calcium from the cheeses, it does pack a nutritional punch. The ricotta and mozzarella provide essential nutrients, while the marinara sauce gives you a serving of tomatoes—hello, lycopene! Just keep an eye on portion sizes; lasagna can lead to serious cravings if left unchecked.
If you’re keeping an eye on calories or prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to swap the meat for sautéed veggies or lentils. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for some extra fiber if you’re feeling fancy. Remember, food is best enjoyed in moderation, and life is too short to skip the cheese!
Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the magic to happen!
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened—around 2-3 minutes will do!
- Next, add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
- Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, follow it with a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese on top!
- Time to repeat: add another three noodles, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and another 1/3 of mozzarella.
- Now, finish strong with the last three noodles, spreading the remaining marinara sauce on top and finishing with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden glorious.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil!
Get the Most Out of Your Lasagna!
- Pair it with some flaky garlic bread and a fresh side salad to round out that meal!
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat until bubbly and delicious!
- If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some veggies like spinach or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrients.
So there you have it! My tried and true Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna. I urge you to give this recipe a go—trust me, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. And if you make it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share it with your family, friends, and even on social media. Happy cooking, everyone!
