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Easy Lasagna Recipe

Easy Lasagna Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Recipe features a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for make-ahead meals!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 people
Calories 487 kcal

Equipment

  • Casserole dish
  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • silicone spatula
  • wooden spoon
  • oven

Ingredients
  

Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese 2 cups
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • ¾ lb ground beef
  • ¾ lb ground Italian sausage
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 40 oz marinara sauce see notes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Lasagna Noodles/Cheese Topping

  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles plus extra in case of breakage
  • 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

Prep Work

  • Combine the cheese filling ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients.

Make the Meat Sauce

  • Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onions. Let them soften for 10 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef and sausage and increase heat to medium-high. Use a spatula to break up the meat. Cook for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. Add garlic during the last minute. Drain excess grease.
  • Add the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the pot. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Preheat Oven and Cook the Lasagna Noodles

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Begin boiling a large pot of salted water for the lasagna noodles. Cook the noodles to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
  • Lay the cooled noodles flat on wax or parchment paper while assembling the lasagna.

Assemble

  • Spread 1 heaping cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Add 4 lasagna noodles, overlapping if needed.
  • Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce.
  • Top with 4 more lasagna noodles, ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture, and 1 ½ cups meat sauce.
  • Finish with 4 more lasagna noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  • Top with 2 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray and place it spray-side-down on top of the baking dish.

Bake

  • Bake for 35 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 10 more minutes.
  • Remove and garnish with fresh parsley. Let it sit for 15 minutes prior to serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use high-quality marinara sauce and shred cheese from a block for best results. The hot sauce won't make it spicy. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 487kcal
Keyword Easy Lasagna Recipe, Freezer-Friendly, Italian cuisine, lasagna, make ahead, Pasta
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