Quick Easy Cheesy Lasagna

If there is one food I never get tired of making and eating it has to be lasagna Layers of gooey cheese savory meat sauce and tender pasta always feel like the ultimate comfort dinner for any night especially on chilly evenings or when you just want something special without extra fuss I love how this recipe keeps things super simple with no need for fancy ingredients or endless steps so even busy cooks can pull off a hearty classic with ease

The first time I made this easy lasagna my family finished every last bite and now they ask for it on birthdays or for Sunday dinner when everyone is home

Ingredients

• Lasagna sheets: I always reach for traditional dried sheets because they hold up well and stay tender Choose ones with rough edges so the sauce sticks better
• Olive oil: Adds richness for sautéing Use extra virgin for best flavor and bright color
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the meat mixture Pick firm heavy onions for maximum flavor
• Italian sausage: Gives the sauce a savory kick and extra juiciness Go for fresh links and remove the casing
• Lean ground beef: Adds heartiness without being greasy Always look for bright red beef with little liquid in the package
• Seasoned salt: Layers in extra flavor compared to plain salt
• Onion powder and garlic powder: Provide concentrated savory notes Choose fresh spices that have a strong scent
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano basil and thyme for that classic taste
• Minced garlic: Gives a fresh punch Make sure your garlic is firm not sprouting or dried out
• Marinara sauce: This is the soul of your lasagna Use a good quality jarred sauce with minimal sugar for bright tomato flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into those signature gooey layers Use whole milk mozzarella for best stretch
• Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty salty tang Grate your own from a robust wedge
• Ricotta cheese: Forms a creamy filling Look for the freshest ricotta in the dairy section for silky texture
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture Choose large eggs with deep yellow yolks if possible
• Dried parsley: Adds color and pleasant herbal notes Make sure your dried herbs are vibrant green

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Boil Noodles:

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil Add a pinch of salt and cook the lasagna sheets until just al dente about a minute less than the package says Rinse with cool water to prevent sticking

Cook the Meat and Onions:

Heat your biggest skillet over medium high and add a little olive oil Toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté for about three to four minutes until softened and fragrant

Brown the Sausage and Beef:

Add the Italian sausage and ground beef breaking them up well Cook until no pink remains and the mixture is crumbly and golden Use a slotted spoon to drain off excess grease

Flavor and Sauce:

Add the minced garlic to the meat and cook for another minute then sprinkle over the seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and Italian seasoning Stir so all spices coat the meat evenly Pour in your marinara sauce and let everything simmer just until heated and blended

Mix Ricotta Cheese Layer:

In a bowl whisk one egg and stir in the ricotta half a cup of mozzarella half a cup of parmesan and a sprinkle of dried parsley Mix well to form a creamy smooth layer

Assemble the Lasagna:

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in your baking dish to prevent sticking Lay down enough lasagna sheets to cover the bottom completely Spoon over a portion of the ricotta mixture then more meat sauce Repeat these layers until you use up all the components making sure to end with a full layer of sauce

Top with Cheese:

Scatter the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the top for a rich golden finish

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish with foil to trap steam and bake at 375 degrees for thirty five minutes Remove the foil and bake another ten minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling

Let It Rest:

Allow your lasagna to rest uncovered for at least ten to fifteen minutes before cutting This helps it set and slice cleanly

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My favorite ingredient is fresh ricotta cheese because it melts into the sauce and makes every bite creamy Growing up my dad always insisted we wait fifteen minutes after baking so the lasagna could be sliced without falling apart and I still follow that rule every time

Lasagna Storage Tips

Store any leftover slices in a tightly sealed container in your refrigerator for up to four days For longer storage wrap pieces tightly and freeze them for up to three months To serve from frozen thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot

Ingredient Swaps That Work

If you do not have ricotta cottage cheese is a great alternative just drain the extra liquid You can swap ground turkey for the beef or use all sausage for a bolder flavor For vegetarians simply use roasted vegetables in place of the meat and a chunky veggie marinara

Serving Ideas

Classic lasagna goes perfectly with a crisp green salad or garlic bread I love serving it with a simple lemon dressed arugula for contrast If you have leftovers try reheating a square and topping it with a fried egg for an easy lunch

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How Lasagna Became a Family Favorite

Lasagna is a true Italian American classic but its roots go back centuries in Italy where every family has its own overflowing version I grew up baking it on weekends with my family and every batch tastes a little different depending on what is in the fridge The ritual of layering ingredients together is almost as comforting as eating it

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I prepare lasagna ahead of time?

Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

→ Is it okay to use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese makes a great substitute. Just drain any excess liquid for the best texture and to prevent watery layers.

→ Can I substitute pasta sauce for marinara?

Absolutely! Either will work, but marinara brings bold tomato flavor for a classic touch in every bite.

→ What sides pair well with lasagna?

Fresh green salad and warm garlic bread are perfect companions. They lighten the meal and offer delicious contrast to the cheesy, savory main.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze individual portions for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

→ What’s the best way to get neat slices?

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps it set, so you can cut perfect slices without messy layers.