Easy Lasagna
A comforting dish of layers filled with cheesy goodness, easy to prepare with no boiling required - perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 noodles 12 no-boil lasagna noodles Simplifies prep; they cook in the oven.
- 4 cups 4 cups rich tomato sauce Use homemade or your favorite jarred variety.
Cheese Filling
- 15 oz 15 oz ricotta cheese Gives creaminess; swap with cottage cheese for a lighter touch.
- 1 large 1 egg Binds the filling together; skip for a vegan version.
- 3 cups 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully; use a blend for different flavors.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nuttiness; consider nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb 1 lb ground beef Adds hearty flavor; substitute with turkey or lentils for a leaner option.
- to taste Salt and pepper Enhances overall flavor.
- to taste Italian seasoning (optional) For extra herbaceous notes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Cook/Assemble
- Spread a cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Lay down three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella and more sauce.
- Repeat the layer process, finishing with noodles topped with sauce and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for added flavor, ensure even layers for uniform cooking, and store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.