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Easy Cheesy Classic Lasagna Recipe Perfect for Cozy Family Dinners

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A quick and easy lasagna recipe featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and melty mozzarella layers, perfect for cozy family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, about 2 tbsp)
  • 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente or no-boil noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, and chopped parsley if using. Mix until smooth.
  6. Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay flat on a clean towel.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Arrange 3-4 noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the cheese filling over noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce and about 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  10. Repeat layering two more times, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  11. Cover dish tightly with foil, tenting to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake for 40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  12. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  13. Let lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

If lasagna looks dry before baking, add a splash of water or extra sauce between layers to keep moisture balanced. Letting it rest after baking helps layers set and makes slicing easier. For no-boil noodles, increase sauce moisture and baking time by 10-15 minutes. Leftovers reheat well and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna, cheesy lasagna, classic lasagna, family dinner, comfort food, baked pasta

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