Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This easy lasagna recipe makes a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With layers of rich ricotta cheese, savory spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella, it comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

• 48 oz jar spaghetti sauce
• 30 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp parsley (dried or finely chopped)
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 12 lasagna noodles (regular, no need for no-bake)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: To assemble the lasagna, spread 1 and 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan. Lay four lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, fitting them as described (three noodles lengthwise and a broken piece widthwise).
4. Step 4: Spread about one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add 1 cup of sauce over the cheese, then layer with noodles and cheese mixture again. Repeat this layering once more, finishing with a final layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the final sauce layer.
5. Step 5: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before serving to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the spaghetti sauce before assembling.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried parsley for a brighter taste.
• Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it slice cleanly and holds its shape better.
• If you prefer, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze the baked lasagna covered tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles before assembling?

Yes, for this recipe use regular lasagna noodles and boil them according to package instructions until al dente before layering.

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it before serving. This can help flavors meld together.

Easy Classic Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 764 reviews

This Easy Lasagna recipe delivers a comforting, classic Italian-American dish layered with rich ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and hearty spaghetti sauce. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a crowd-pleaser suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 30 oz Ricotta Cheese
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tsp parsley (dried or finely chopped)
• 2 cups grated Mozzarella Cheese (divided: 1 cup mixed in cheese mixture, 1 cup for topping)

Sauce and Pasta

• 48 oz Jar Spaghetti Sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles (regular, uncooked)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Mix cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, parsley, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a creamy cheese mixture.
3. Assemble lasagna – first layer: Spread 1 and 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Carefully lay four uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce; arrange three noodles lengthwise and one shorter, broken piece widthwise to fit the pan.
4. Layer cheese and sauce: Spoon approximately one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles and gently spread it evenly. Add 1 cup of spaghetti sauce on top of the cheese layer to keep noodles moist.
5. Repeat layering: Repeat the noodle, cheese mixture, and sauce layering two more times, finishing with a final top layer of sauce. This creates multiple well-moistened layers for perfect texture.
6. Add topping cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top sauce layer to achieve a golden, bubbly finish when baked.
7. Bake covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Covering locks in moisture and allows noodles to cook through.
8. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. This step helps brown and crisp the cheese topping.
9. Rest before serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes. Resting lets the layers set and makes serving easier without the lasagna falling apart.

Notes

• Regular lasagna noodles are used and do not need pre-cooking, as they cook fully during baking.
• Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor if available instead of dried.
• Allowing the lasagna to rest post-baking improves sliceability and flavor melding.
• You can substitute the jarred spaghetti sauce with homemade marinara for a more personalized taste.
• Cover the pan well during the initial baking to prevent drying out.

Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna, Italian dinner, baked pasta, ricotta cheese lasagna, family meal