Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Craving a delicious and hassle-free dinner option? Look no further than this Easy Classic Lasagna recipe! This dish has been a game-changer for me, saving me time and effort without compromising on flavor. Gone are the days of boiling lasagna noodles separately – with this recipe, the uncooked noodles soak up all the savory goodness as they bake, resulting in perfectly cooked layers that hold together like a dream.

I remember the first time I made this Easy Classic Lasagna and how it quickly became a household favorite, especially among my son’s hungry friends. Their glowing reviews and requests for seconds are a testament to just how tasty this dish is. With a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly seasoned noodles, it’s no wonder this lasagna has earned a reputation for being the best in town.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or looking to impress new neighbors, this Easy Classic Lasagna is sure to be a hit. Plus, with the option to make ahead and freeze, it’s a convenient choice for busy weeknights. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that’s both comforting and absolutely delicious.

Quick Benefits

• Time-Saving: Skip the step of boiling noodles and still get perfect results with uncooked noodles that absorb flavors while baking.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Receive high praise from picky eaters and kids with the best lasagna ever, automatically making extra for unexpected guests.
• Foolproof Noodles: Ensure perfectly cooked noodles every time by adding enough sauce and moisture, preventing crunchy noodles and ensuring delicious layers.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe Recipe

• Time-Saving: Skip the step of boiling noodles with this recipe, making the preparation quicker and easier.
• Delicious Layers: The uncooked noodles absorb flavors while baking, creating perfectly layered lasagna that holds together beautifully when served.
• Kid-Approved: Teenagers love this lasagna! It has received high praise from picky eaters and guests alike.
• Foolproof Sauce: Avoid crunchy noodles by ensuring there’s enough sauce; adding water as needed guarantees perfectly cooked noodles every time.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate overnight for even better flavors. It can also be frozen before or after baking.
• Versatile Meal: Serve with a simple salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own due to its hearty and satisfying nature.
• Leftovers Friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days and easily reheated in the microwave for quick and convenient meals.
• Impressive Dish: This lasagna is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or gifting to neighbors, always receiving compliments and recipe requests.

Ingredients for Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ lb sweet Italian sausage
• 48 oz prepared spaghetti sauce

Cheese Filling

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Assembly and Topping

• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup water (if needed for thick sauce)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking them up as they cook. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic and spaghetti sauce. Add up to ¼ cup water if needed and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add fresh parsley for extra flavor, if desired.

Step 4: Start Layering

Evenly spread ¾ cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, then top with one-third of the cheese mixture. Add another layer of meat sauce on top.

Step 5: Continue Building Layers

Repeat layering two more times with noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce. Finish with a final noodle layer, top with remaining sauce, sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. If sauce is thick, pour ¼ cup water around edges.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Cover lasagna with greased foil and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden. Rest lasagna for 10 minutes before cutting to keep layers intact.

Storage Tips

After making the Easy Classic Lasagna, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for about five days. To keep it fresh, make sure to transfer the lasagna into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. When reheating, individual portions can be easily heated in the microwave in about two minutes, making for a quick and convenient meal option.

For longer storage, you have the option to freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the lasagna according to the recipe instructions but do not bake it. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after baking, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then slice it into portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When reheating from frozen, bake the lasagna covered in foil at a lower temperature to ensure it heats evenly.

Whether you are preparing this lasagna for a quick weeknight dinner, storing it for later, or sharing it with friends and family, the flavors will continue to meld and develop. This dish is versatile and can be easily enjoyed for multiple meals, providing a delicious and satisfying option that is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make this lasagna recipe vegetarian, you can easily substitute the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian crumbles or chopped mushrooms. These options will still provide a meaty texture and absorb the flavors of the sauce and seasonings just like the original meat ingredients.

For a healthier twist, you can swap the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option. These alternatives will still provide creaminess and richness to the lasagna layers while reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones to add more fiber or cater to dietary restrictions.

Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and personal preference, so feel free to customize this classic lasagna recipe with ingredient substitutions that suit your taste and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this classic lasagna, try layering individual portions in ramekins or small mason jars for a charming presentation. This not only makes for a cute and personal serving size, but it also adds a touch of elegance to a traditional dish. Top each mini lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.

Another creative way to serve this easy classic lasagna is to transform it into lasagna roll-ups. Simply spread a generous amount of ricotta mixture onto cooked lasagna noodles, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. These lasagna roll-ups make for a fun and interactive meal, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners when you want to switch things up. Serve with a side of garlic knots for a complete Italian feast!

FAQs for Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Can I use a different type of meat in this lasagna?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat for a different flavor profile.

Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dry?

Yes, you can use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dry. Fresh noodles may require less baking time, so keep an eye on the lasagna as it cooks and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage. You can bulk up the dish with more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and consider adding meat alternatives like tofu or tempeh for protein.

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in this lasagna. You can try using provolone, fontina, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

I hope this Easy Classic Lasagna recipe brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it has to mine. The simplicity of using uncooked noodles and letting the oven work its magic truly makes this dish a winner for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The layers of flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Easy Classic Lasagna is a perfect recipe to have in your repertoire. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding extra veggies or experimenting with different cheeses. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ability to please a crowd. So go ahead, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy a comforting slice of this delicious lasagna. Cheers to many more delicious meals made easy with this Easy Classic Lasagna recipe!

Delicious Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

“Effortlessly delicious classic lasagna with uncooked noodles that absorb flavors perfectly, creating beautifully layered, crowd-pleasing comfort food for any occasion.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time60 Minutes

Total Time90 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 generous servings)

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ lb sweet Italian sausage
• 48 oz prepared spaghetti sauce

Cheese Filling

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Assembly and Topping

• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup water (if needed for thick sauce)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prep Your Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking them up as they cook. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic and spaghetti sauce. Add up to ¼ cup water if needed and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add fresh parsley for extra flavor, if desired.
4. Start Layering: Evenly spread ¾ cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, then top with one-third of the cheese mixture. Add another layer of meat sauce on top.
5. Continue Building Layers: Repeat layering two more times with noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce. Finish with a final noodle layer, top with remaining sauce, sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. If sauce is thick, pour ¼ cup water around edges.
6. Bake and Rest: Cover lasagna with greased foil and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden. Rest lasagna for 10 minutes before cutting to keep layers intact.