Easy Classic Lasagna

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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!

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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms in a large skillet; drain off excess fat.
4. Stir in spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and basil.
5. 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.
6. Repeat the layers two more times.
7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
8. Let rest for 8 to 10 minutes before slicing.

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.

Easy Classic Lasagna

Diana Rattray

Try this easy classic lasagna recipe for your next family gathering. Layered with meaty sauce, noodles, and cheese.

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Servings 8 servings

Calories 492

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• Butter, oil, or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 large jar spaghetti sauce, (about 26 to 32 ounces)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried leaf oregano
• ½ tsp dried leaf basil
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Recommended Equipment

• 3-quart baking dish or a 9-by-13-inch baking pan
• Large pasta pot
• 3-quart colander
• Large skillet

Instructions

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• Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
  Butter, oil, or cooking spray
• Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  8 ounces lasagna noodles
• Cook the ground beef, onion, and mushrooms in a large skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened. Drain well, then stir in the spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt, oregano, and basil.
  1 pound ground beef | 1/2 cup chopped onion | 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (optional) | 1 large jar spaghetti sauce | 1 tsp garlic powder | 1/2 tsp salt | 1 tsp dried leaf oregano | 1/2 tsp dried leaf basil
• Spread a small amount of the sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer one-third of the noodles, one-third of the remaining sauce, and one-third of the cheeses. Repeat twice.
  2 cups ricotta cheese | 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese | 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cover loosely and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer, until bubbly around the edges.
• Let the lasagna stand for 8 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 492kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 30gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1103mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 969IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 356mgIron: 3mg

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.

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