Quick & Easy Lasagna
This lasagna combines gooey cheese, savory beef, and hearty noodles, all prepared quickly for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound lasagna noodles Regular or no-boil noodles work fine.
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounces) Any brand will do, pick your favorite.
- 1 container ricotta cheese (15 ounces) Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.
- 1 large egg Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adjust to taste.
- to taste Salt and pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to mix cheeses for added flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Layering
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer with another third of the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serves great with a salad or garlic bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.