This is the easiest lasagna recipe you’ll ever try, with layers of gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender noodles all coming together in one simple dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade but doesn’t take all day to make. The best part? You don’t need to make the sauce from scratch or fuss over endless steps—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
I love making this lasagna when I want a comforting meal without the stress. I usually use store-bought marinara and no-boil noodles, which saves so much time. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone asks for seconds, and sometimes I sneak in a little extra cheese because, well, who can resist?
When I serve this lasagna, I like to pair it with a simple green salad and a little garlic bread for dipping. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. No fancy tricks, just good food that everyone can enjoy together—that’s what this lasagna is all about.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and heartiness. If you want, swap it for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
Marinara Sauce: Using store-bought marinara saves time and effort. Choose a good-quality jar for the best flavor. You can use pasta sauce or homemade sauce too.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These noodles skip the boiling step, making assembly easier. If unavailable, regular noodles work, but boil them first.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds creaminess. Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you want a lighter option. Mixing in an egg helps the cheese hold together.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella gives that melty stretch; Parmesan adds a sharp depth. Feel free to mix shredded cheddar or provolone if you like a different cheese flavor.
How Can I Layer Lasagna Without It Falling Apart?
Layering is key to a gooey, structured lasagna. Here’s my simple approach:
- Start with a thin sauce layer on the dish; it stops noodles from sticking and keeps things moist.
- Add noodles flat and slightly overlapping so every bite has a noodle.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly to avoid clumps, which helps with consistent texture.
- Use ample sauce and cheese between layers to bind everything together.
- Cover with foil while baking to trap moisture and cook noodles evenly.
- Let it rest after baking; this step is important because it allows the lasagna to firm up, so it slices cleanly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground beef evenly and warming your sauce.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – just the right size to layer your lasagna and bake it evenly.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and seasoning smoothly.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the lasagna while baking and keep it from drying out.
- Spatula or spoon – helps spread sauce and cheese layers neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful lasagna.
- Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms between layers to boost nutrition and taste.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you want a lighter, creamier texture.
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano into the cheese mixture for a fragrant, fresh herbal touch.
The Easiest Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (half of 1/2 cup)
For Assembly:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (remaining half)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy lasagna recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, 40 minutes of baking, and 10 minutes of resting before serving. So overall, it’s roughly 1 hour from start to table, making it perfect for a cozy dinner without too much fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, stir well, and let it heat for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried Italian seasoning, and half the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Layer the Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 3 no-boil lasagna noodles side by side on top of the sauce. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture evenly on the noodles. Sprinkle one third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Then spoon one third of the meat sauce over the cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for the Meat Sauce?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed things up. This helps it cook evenly and safely.
Can I Prepare the Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute if I Can’t Find No-Boil Noodles?
If no-boil noodles aren’t available, regular lasagna noodles work fine—just boil them according to the package instructions until tender before layering.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftover Lasagna?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
