If you have been craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Easy Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully layers rich, savory meat sauce with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all nestled between tender pasta sheets. The combination of Italian seasonings, fresh garlic, and a hint of heat from hot sauce adds depth without complicating the process. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this lasagna delivers maximum flavor without demanding hours of fuss in the kitchen, making it a true crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.

The image shows a close-up of a rectangular white baking dish filled with lasagna. A metal spatula is lifting a thick square piece from the dish, revealing five visible layers. The layers alternate between light yellow pasta sheets and a chunky, orange-red meat sauce mixed with melted cheese. The top layer is covered with golden-brown melted cheese, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, giving a slightly bubbly and creamy texture. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with bright, natural lighting emphasizing the rich colors and texture of the lasagna. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients — every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in the final dish. From the cheeses that bring creaminess and meltability to the hearty meat sauce full of robust character, each ingredient shines in harmony.

15 oz. ricotta cheese (2 cups): Provides a creamy, slightly tangy filling that softens the layers and balances the richness.
1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture together to keep it firm and scoopable within the layers.
2 cups mozzarella cheese: Adds a mild, melty texture to the cheese filling, enhancing overall gooeyness.
¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Infuses the cheese filling with classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to soften onions and enrich the meat sauce with a fruity undertone.
1 yellow onion (finely diced): Gently sweetens the sauce as it softens.
¾ lb. ground beef: Supplies a rich, hearty foundation with a satisfying texture.
¾ lb. ground Italian sausage: Introduces spicy and savory notes to the meat sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Aromatic and pungent, it lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
½ cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and keeps the sauce juicy and flavorful.
40 oz. marinara sauce: The tomatoey heart of the dish, carrying tang, sweetness, and viscosity.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adds just a touch of heat to balance out the richness.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami complexity of the meat sauce.
12 lasagna noodles (plus extra): The essential structure, tender but sturdy when cooked al dente.
2.5 cups mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top to create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Start by combining the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This blend acts as the creamy, flavorful glue inside your lasagna layers that will balance the savory meat sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Create the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the diced onion for about 10 minutes, allowing it to release natural sweetness that perfectly counters the acidity of the tomatoes. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat until it is fully cooked and nicely crumbled. Stir in minced garlic in the last minute of cooking before draining the excess fat.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then add marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, partially covered, allowing the flavors to meld as you prepare the noodles.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, about the time specified on the package, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain them carefully and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles on parchment paper to keep them from sticking while you assemble.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread a heaping cup of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Lay 4 lasagna noodles on top, overlapping slightly if necessary. Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce. Repeat the layering two more times, ending with the meat sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle 2 ½ cups of mozzarella over everything for that irresistible golden melt.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 35 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown beautifully. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes out of the oven to allow the layers to set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a lively pop of color and fresh aroma that brightens the richness of the lasagna. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few flakes of crushed red pepper can enhance the presentation and flavor appeal.

Side Dishes

This Easy Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with garlic bread—with or without cheese—and a crisp green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. These sides provide a fresh, crunchy contrast and help round out the meal without overshadowing the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins to create personal lasagnas that look charming and allow each person to get a perfectly portioned, layered meal. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of mixed Italian cheeses or a few roasted cherry tomatoes on top before baking to add visual interest and flavor variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When covered properly, the layers will stay moist, and the texture remains delightful.

Freezing

This Easy Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire assembled lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow extra baking time and bake covered until heated through, removing foil near the end for browning.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven with foil on top to prevent drying out, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a combination of your favorite veggies. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce and consider adding a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor punchy.

Do I need to boil the noodles beforehand?

Yes, for this recipe, boiling the noodles until al dente is essential. It ensures they will be tender yet hold their shape throughout baking, preventing a soggy or overly chewy texture.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can easily make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts. This homemade mix will add the classic herbaceous note that Italian seasoning provides.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

You can, but since this recipe relies on layering with already cooked noodles, using no-boil noodles might require adjusting the moisture content of your sauce slightly to ensure they cook properly in the oven.

How long can I let the assembled lasagna sit before baking?

For convenience, you can assemble the lasagna a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come closer to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite as satisfying as rolling up your sleeves and creating a homemade lasagna that pleases every palate. This Easy Lasagna Recipe brings together simple ingredients with rich flavors in a way that feels both special and approachable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend celebration, I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness that only lasagna can deliver. Bon appétit!

Easy Lasagna Recipe