Best Easy Lasagna Recipe

Layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and melted mozzarella make lasagna the ultimate family comfort food. This protein-rich dish is perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly batch cooking.

Cook 110 min Difficulty NORMAL 470 kcal
#high protein #family dinner #meal prep #freezer friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • lasagna noodles (uncooked) 12 pieces
  • ground beef (80/20) 1.5 lbs
  • ricotta cheese 2 cups
  • shredded mozzarella cheese 3 cups
  • grated Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • large egg 1 piece
  • yellow onion (diced) 1 cup
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • tomato paste 3 tbsp
  • garlic (minced) 3 cloves
  • dried Italian seasoning 2 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 37 g 31%
Protein 28 g 24%
Fat 23 g 45%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef to the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat carefully.

  4. 4

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and half of the grated Parmesan until smooth.

  6. 6

    Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water until just al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and layer on a towel to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    To assemble, spread 1/3 of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top.

  8. 8

    Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the final sauce layer. Cover tightly with foil (to prevent cheese over-browning) and bake for 25 minutes.

  9. 9

    Uncover and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.

  10. 10

    Let lasagna rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This ensures easier serving and optimal texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this lasagna recipe?
The defining feature of this lasagna is its hearty layers of ground beef and rich ricotta cheese. These are complemented by mozzarella and Parmesan for melt-in-your-mouth texture, and classic Italian seasonings for depth of flavor.
Q. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy or undercooked?
Boil the lasagna noodles until just al dente (about 8 minutes), then drain and layer them immediately. This ensures the noodles don't get overcooked during baking. Also, letting the lasagna rest for 20 minutes after baking helps the layers set and avoids sogginess.
Q. Why is it important to cover the lasagna with foil during part of baking?
Covering with foil for the first 25 minutes ensures gentle, even heating—allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt thoroughly without browning too quickly. Uncovering for the final bake gives the top a beautiful golden, bubbly finish.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving of this lasagna?
Each 320g serving of this lasagna contains approximately 470 kcal and 28g protein, making it a satisfying, protein-rich meal suitable for family dinners or meal prep.
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