Easy Cheesy Lasagna Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight
This Easy Cheesy Lasagna Recipe offers hearty satisfaction with rich flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 400kcal
Equipment
- Oven
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Pasta Layers
- 9 pieces Lasagna Noodles Use oven-ready for ultimate convenience, or boil them al dente for a classic touch.
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound Ground Beef Adds protein and rich flavor; substitute with ground turkey or mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- 1 medium Onion (diced) Enhances the base flavor with a savory kick; shallots or leeks provide a sweeter profile if desired.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Elevates the overall savoriness; fresh cloves are best.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Forms the sauce layer, providing richness.
For the Cheesy Layers
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Contributes creaminess to the layers; cottage cheese can be a good substitute.
- 1 large Egg Helps bind the ricotta mixture; can omit for lower cholesterol.
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Adds depth of flavor; try Pecorino Romano for a unique twist.
For Garnishing
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional) Brightens the dish; basil can be swapped for a more classic Italian flavor.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Cheesy Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, then drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant. Then, mix in your marinara sauce and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkling of mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat, finishing with sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest the lasagna for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Cool leftovers thoroughly before refrigerating or freezing. You can also assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking.