Easy Classic Lasagna
Try this easy classic lasagna recipe for your next family gathering. Layered with meaty sauce, noodles, and cheese.
This classic lasagna is a perfectly layered casserole of meaty tomato sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Lasagna makes a satisfying family meal, and it’s a favorite dish for potluck events and parties.
This version is easier than most. All you have to do is layer the ingredients! There’s no mixing, so no extra bowls to clean. Just cook the noodles, brown the ground beef and combine it with the purchased sauce, and build the lasagna in a baking dish. That’s all there is to it!
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Family-friendly favorite. Everyone loves a warm, cheesy, meaty pan of lasagna.
No mixing bowls. Ingredients are layered straight into the dish—easy prep and easy cleanup.
Potluck perfect. Travels well and reheats beautifully for gatherings or meal trains.
Customizable. Use your favorite sauce or add vegetables or sausage to the meat layer.
Ingredient Notes
- Lasagna noodles: Use regular or oven-ready noodles; just be sure to cook regular noodles first.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef gives the sauce richness and hearty texture.
- Onion and mushrooms: Classic aromatic veggies; mushrooms are optional but add umami depth.
- Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce—marinara, tomato basil, or a hearty meat sauce all work.
- Garlic powder, oregano, basil: Dried seasonings add extra flavor without complicating prep.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild—classic for layering. Cottage cheese can be substituted if preferred.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for meltiness throughout the layers.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, sharp finish on top.
Steps to Make Easy Classic Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms in a large skillet; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and basil.
- In the baking dish, layer one-third of the noodles, one-third of the meat sauce, and one-third of the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers two more times.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
- Let rest for 8 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Lasagna
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Let it rest after baking so the layers hold together when sliced.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for even easier prep on busy days.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version. Omit the beef and mushrooms and add spinach, zucchini, or roasted vegetables.
- Sausage swap. Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for extra spice and flavor.
- Extra cheesy. Add a layer of provolone or shredded fontina for a melty bonus.
- Ricotta alternative. Use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian focaccia.
- Pair with a green salad tossed in vinaigrette or creamy Italian dressing.
- Add roasted vegetables or steamed green beans on the side.
- Include a glass of red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel for a perfect pairing.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the time if baking from cold.
Easy Classic Lasagna
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced, optional
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce, about 26 to 32 ounces, your favorite
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish.350°F.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Brown beef, onion, and mushrooms in a large skillet; drain well. Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and basil.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer one-third of the lasagna noodles, one-third of the sauce, and one-third of the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers twice.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated and bubbly around the edges.
- Let the lasagna stand for 8 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
