EASY Classic Homemade Lasagna

This easy classic homemade lasagna delivers all the rich, cheesy, saucy comfort of a traditional Italian-American lasagna—but with simplified steps perfect for busy home cooks. With layers of tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is the ultimate make-ahead meal for family dinners, holidays, or Sunday night feasts.

• Preparation time: 25 minutes
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 servings

For the meat sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the cheese layer:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For the pasta:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• Salt, for pasta water

1. Make the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and onion; cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes.
• Stir in garlic; cook 1 more minute.
• Pour in marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Reduce heat and let simmer 10 minutes.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling

• In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
• Stir until fully blended.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
• Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, then mozzarella.
• Repeat: 3 noodles, remaining ricotta, more meat sauce, mozzarella.
• Finish with final 3 noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella.

4. Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Shortcut: Use oven-ready noodles to skip the boiling step.
• Add veggies: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• Cheese blend: Try part-skim mozzarella or a blend of provolone and fontina.
• Make ahead: Assemble the day before and refrigerate until baking.

• Estimated: 450–550 kcal (based on 10 servings)

• Garlic knots or warm crusty bread
• Classic Caesar or arugula salad
• A glass of Chianti or iced lemon water

• Classic flavor with simple steps
• Family-approved and kid-friendly
• Freezes and reheats beautifully
• Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings