The easiest lasagna recipe is a friendly, no-fuss way to enjoy layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for anyone who loves classic comfort food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can make it with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
I love this lasagna because it takes the stress out of cooking. Instead of messing around with lots of steps, you just layer everything up and let your oven do the work. I always sneak in a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, crispy finish everyone loves. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal.
When I serve this lasagna, I like to pair it with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread. It makes a complete meal that feels special but is still super easy to throw together. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, which means you get bonus delicious meals without lifting a finger!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: You can use no-boil noodles to save time—they soften as the lasagna bakes. If you prefer regular noodles, just cook them al dente so they hold their shape and don’t get mushy.
Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, use cooked lentils or a meatless crumble instead.
Ricotta cheese: This adds creaminess inside the layers. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese is an okay substitute but has a different texture. Adding an egg helps keep the filling together.
Mozzarella cheese: Shred it fresh for the best melt and stretch. You can mix part mozzarella and part provolone for extra flavor if you like.
Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce works fine here. You can always jazz it up with extra garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
How Do You Build Perfect, Even Layers in Lasagna?
Getting your layers right ensures every bite has all the flavors together.
- Start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your dish; this stops noodles from sticking.
- Place noodles carefully so they overlap slightly but don’t crowd too much.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly to avoid clumps.
- Follow with shredded mozzarella and then meat sauce, keeping each layer balanced.
- Repeat layers the same way for neatness and good texture.
My tip: Use a spatula or back of a spoon to gently spread each layer for even coverage. This helps the lasagna cook uniformly and look great when you slice it.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking your lasagna evenly.
- Large skillet – great for browning the ground beef and simmering the sauce in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – handy for combining the ricotta, egg, and Parmesan cheese smoothly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps spread the cheeses and sauce evenly for neat layers.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the lasagna covered while baking to prevent drying out.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini between layers for extra veggies and color.
- Mix shredded mozzarella with provolone cheese to add a mild, tangy twist.
- Stir some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce if you like a little heat.
Easiest Classic Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 40 minutes to bake, and 10 minutes of resting time, totaling approximately 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside. No-boil noodles can be used straight from the package.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you want.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 or 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella on top. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to help it set and make serving easier.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, classic lasagna!
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! No-boil noodles save time since you don’t need to cook them beforehand. Just layer them straight into the dish—the sauce will soften them nicely during baking.
How Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Simply replace the ground beef with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, or use a plant-based meat alternative. The sauce and cheese layers stay the same!
Can I Prepare the Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if baking cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
