Easiest Lasagna Ever

$- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, cooked al dente) - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap out ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. It gives a nice texture. If you want a plant-based option, use tofu or vegan ricotta. Marinara works great, but you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy taste. If you can't find Parmesan, try pecorino as a substitute. Fresh herbs add flavor, but dried herbs are just fine. When picking cheese, go for whole-milk ricotta. It tastes richer. For mozzarella, choose fresh or low-moisture for better melting. Look for marinara with simple ingredients. This ensures great flavor with no added junk. Always check the noodle package for cooking times. Fresh is best, but dried works well too. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds flavor. Now, let's layer our ingredients. Start by placing three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Make sure they do not overlap. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread half of this mixture over the noodles. Add 1 cup of mozzarella and half a cup of marinara sauce on top. Repeat this process. Place three more noodles, the rest of the ricotta, another cup of mozzarella, and half a cup of marinara. For the final layer, add the last three noodles, top with remaining marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Make sure it does not touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese that is golden brown. Let your lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers stay together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles. These noodles cook right in the oven. You can also buy pre-made marinara sauce. This cuts down on prep time. Use a mixer for the ricotta mixture, which speeds things up. If you prepare the layers ahead, you can assemble it quickly. Start with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. This keeps the noodles from sticking. Make sure not to overlap the noodles. Each layer should be even. After each layer, press down gently. This helps the layers stick together. Always finish with sauce and cheese on top for a nice crust. Bake covered for the first part to keep moisture in. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese. This gives a nice golden color. Let the lasagna rest for ten minutes before slicing. This helps the layers stay intact when you serve it. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly cooked lasagna! Pro Tips Use No-Boil Noodles: No-boil noodles save time and ensure a perfectly cooked lasagna without the hassle of pre-cooking. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Mix Cheeses for Flavor: Combine different cheese varieties, like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, for a rich and complex flavor profile. Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between the layers for added nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this lasagna meat-free. Instead of meat, use vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. Just sauté the veggies first. This adds flavor and keeps them tender. You can also add some fresh spinach to the ricotta mix. It gives extra color and nutrition. Try using a jar of marinara with roasted vegetables too. It adds a nice depth of flavor. If you want meat, ground beef or sausage is ideal. Cook the meat first until it is brown. Drain the fat, then mix it with the marinara sauce. This adds savory depth to your layers. You can also use shredded chicken for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s well seasoned. Layer it between the noodles and cheese for a hearty dish. For a gluten-free lasagna, use gluten-free noodles. Many brands now offer great options. You can also use thin slices of zucchini or eggplant as layers. This keeps the dish light and healthy. Just remember to salt and drain the zucchini first. It helps remove excess moisture. Enjoy your lasagna with any of these fun twists! To keep your lasagna fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Store the lasagna in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool before storing. If you want to freeze lasagna, cut it into portions first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. Label each bag with the date so you can track how long it's been frozen. To reheat your lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 25 minutes. If you want the cheese to be bubbly, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm. Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just cook them al dente first. This helps them hold their shape and texture. If you prefer no-boil noodles, you can use those too. They save time and are easy to work with. This lasagna lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Cooling it completely before you cover it helps keep it fresh. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to discard it. Yes, you can make this lasagna ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the last-minute rush. You learned about the key ingredients for lasagna, tips for choosing the best ones, and how to layer and bake it perfectly. I shared time-saving tricks and variations to suit different diets. Proper storage and reheating methods help keep your lasagna fresh. Making lasagna can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can create a dish your family will love! Enjoy the cooking process and feel proud of your delicious meal.$

Easiest Lasagna Ever

A simple and delicious lasagna recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

9 noodles lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular, cooked al dente)
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish (about 1 cup).
Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one cup of mozzarella and half a cup of marinara sauce.
Repeat the layers: Three more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another cup of mozzarella, and half a cup of marinara.
Top the final layer with the last three noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles for a quicker preparation.

Keyword Italian, lasagna, pasta