Oh, do I have a treat for you today! One of my all-time favorite recipes is this Easy Homemade Lasagna. Let me tell you, each time I whip it up, I’m transported back to my childhood, with my mom stirring the marinara sauce on the stove while the comforting aroma swirls throughout the house. The best part? Lasagna has this magical ability to bring everyone together, whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck with friends. Plus, it’s a dish that you can customize however you like, which keeps it exciting every time I make it!
What I love most about this lasagna is its sheer simplicity. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques here—just layers of deliciousness that come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the cheesy goodness!
What’s in Easy Homemade Lasagna?
Lasagna Noodles: These are the backbone of the dish! I typically use 9-12 noodles, depending on how many layers I’m feeling adventurous with. You could opt for the no-boil kind too if time is of the essence.
Ground Beef: Nothing beats a classic beef filling, but I’ve also had great success using Italian sausage for that extra kick!
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. You can’t go wrong with a bit of aromatics!
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better, right? Minced fresh garlic infuses the meat mixture with that fantastic punch of flavor.
Marinara Sauce: I usually go for a good-quality store-bought sauce, but if I’m feeling industrious, homemade tomato sauce is the way to go!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for that luxurious, rich layer!
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together and gives it that lovely texture.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey goodness that melts beautifully on top. I recommend whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a subtle nuttiness and elevates the cheese layer to new heights.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that not only flavors the ricotta but also makes a lovely garnish.
Olive Oil: A splash of this elevates your cooking game—perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic!
Salt and Pepper: The essentials for seasoning, of course!
Is Easy Homemade Lasagna Good for You?
Okay, let’s talk nutrition! This lasagna has some great benefits, starting with the protein from the ground beef or sausage, helping to keep you satiated. The noodles and cheese provide energy and some calcium goodness. However, moderation is key! Lasagna can be high in calories—especially with all that cheesy goodness. So if you’re watching your intake, you might want to indulge only once in a while.
For those looking for a healthier twist, you can swap out the meat for veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. This way, you still get to enjoy that comforting, layered goodness but with a lighter profile.
Ingredients
– 9-12 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 15 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
This recipe makes about 8 servings—perfect for a family gathering or for meal prep throughout the week!
How to Make Easy Homemade Lasagna?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain them and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat if necessary!
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavors.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until you have a smooth filling.
7. Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Lay down a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by a generous layer of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella plus Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (making sure it’s not touching the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns bubbly and golden.
11. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This is crucial—trust me, your patience will be rewarded!
The Secret to Lasagna Love
If you want to jazz things up, consider adding layers of sautéed vegetables, or perhaps some spinach for that nutritious punch! And don’t forget to garnish with more fresh parsley before serving; it really elevates the look and adds a fresh touch. Serve it alongside garlic bread and a crisp side salad, and you’ve got yourself a feast!
I genuinely hope you give this Easy Homemade Lasagna a try. It brings back such fond memories for me, and I’d love to hear about your lasagna adventures! So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a delightful journey of flavor! Enjoy!
