Lasagna has always been a go-to comfort food in my household, and this easy lasagna recipe is no exception. I remember the first time I made lasagna for my family; it was one of those moments where everyone gathered around the table, and the aroma of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce filled the house. You might call it an ordinary meal, but for us, it was a bonding time filled with laughter and love, moments that we cherished as much as the meal itself.
This lasagna recipe, passed down from my grandmother, is a staple at family gatherings. It’s easy to make, and you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull it off. The secret? It’s all about layering flavors and textures. I remember my grandmother always told me, “The more love you put into each layer, the more you’ll get out of it.” Corny, maybe, but true, nonetheless.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With ingredients like marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ground Italian sausage, there’s nothing too fancy here—just simple, good food. Even on a busy weeknight, you can whip this up in under 90 minutes, and it’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Whether you’re making this for a lazy Sunday dinner or as a hearty meal to kick off the weekend, this lasagna recipe is one that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking. You’re about to make a dish that’s not only delicious but will become a beloved part of your family’s food traditions, just like it is in ours.
How to Make The Best Easy Lasagna
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Ingredients:
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 16 oz cottage cheese, full-fat, small curd
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for 30-60 seconds until it releases its aroma.
- Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix in the basil, oregano, and parsley with the sausage.
- Reserve 8 ounces of marinara sauce and pour the remaining 24 ounces into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 10-12 ounces of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and eggs until well blended.
- Spread 1 cup of the reserved marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer 3-4 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they have space for expansion.
- Spoon â…“ of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering with another set of noodles, â…“ of the meat sauce, and the remaining cheese mixture.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the reserved mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Flexible Ingredient Options for Every Cook
If you don’t have Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey can be used as a substitute. You can also replace cottage cheese with ricotta if you prefer a creamier texture. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These adjustments won’t compromise the heartiness or flavor of the dish.
Best Ways to Store Lasagna Leftover
To keep leftover lasagna fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to freeze it, slice the lasagna into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Plating Tips for a Beautiful Lasagna
Serve this lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. A side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette make excellent accompaniments. For drink pairings, a glass of Chianti or a robust iced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate This Lasagna
To deepen the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce as it simmers. For a golden crust, broil the lasagna for a minute or two after baking. When mixing the cheese, add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creaminess. Remember to let the lasagna sit after baking to ensure neat slices.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to Your Lasagna
In summer, try incorporating zucchini or eggplant slices for added freshness. During winter, add roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for a heartier dish. For spring, consider mixing in fresh spinach or asparagus. These adaptations can bring a delightful seasonal twist to your lasagna.
FAQs:
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil ones?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the dish. This ensures they are tender and properly cooked when the lasagna is baked.
What can I serve with lasagna besides garlic bread?
Besides garlic bread, you can serve lasagna with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple antipasto platter. These side dishes complement the rich flavors of lasagna and create a well-rounded meal.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the lasagna gluten-free, substitute the no-boil lasagna noodles with a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients, like sauces and seasonings, are also free from gluten to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Can I prepare lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
The best way to reheat lasagna is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain its texture and flavor.
Can I freeze lasagna before baking?
Yes, you can freeze lasagna before baking. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. This will keep it preserved for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
The Best Easy Lasagna
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz cottage cheese full-fat, small curd
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 large eggs
Lasagna Assembly:
- 9-12 no-boil noodles lasagna
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
For Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for five to seven minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
- Incorporate the ground Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces. Cook until it is browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and parsley into the sausage mixture.
- Reserve 8 ounces of marinara sauce. Add the remaining sauce to the skillet and bring it to a light boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
For Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, 10-12 ounces of mozzarella (set aside the remaining for topping), parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, and the eggs until smooth and well blended.
For Assembly:
- Spoon 1 cup of the reserved marinara into the bottom of the casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the no-boil lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce, using 3-4 noodles and ensuring there’s space for them to expand during cooking.
- Layer a third of the meat sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering process with another set of noodles, another third of the meat sauce, and the remaining cheese mixture.
- Finish by layering the last noodles and topping with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the noodles are cooked through.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your meal!
