Description
This Easy Lasagna recipe features a rich and savory meat sauce layered with tender lasagna noodles and gooey melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to a golden bubbly finish, it's a comforting classic that serves a crowd with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, minced
- 5 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (156ml) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Assembly and Baking
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles (enough for 3 layers in a 9x13 inch dish)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (amount enough to sprinkle on 3 layers, approximately 3 cups)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced yellow onion together until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour a small amount of tomato sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch casserole dish to create a thin layer. Set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Return the cooked meat and onions to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 5 cups of tomato sauce, the tomato paste, and ½ cup water.
- Season and Simmer: Add dried oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley to the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese into the meat sauce until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Layer the oven-ready lasagna noodles in a single layer over the sauce in the casserole dish. Spread a layer of the meat sauce over the noodles, covering them completely with a thin layer. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers two more times to make three layers of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled lasagna uncovered for 50 minutes. Then bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered until the top is slightly golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Using oven-ready lasagna noodles saves time because they don’t require pre-boiling.
- Simmering the meat sauce longer enhances depth of flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from cooked beef to prevent greasy sauce.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley; adjust quantity accordingly.
- Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it hold its shape for cleaner slices.
