Lasagna is the ultimate Italian comfort food, layering tender pasta sheets with a rich, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory goodness, making it a favorite for family dinners and special gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this baked lasagna never fails to satisfy. What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can swap out the meat for roasted vegetables, use different cheeses, or add a bit of spice with red pepper flakes. Served with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread, this lasagna is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, add a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat: add 3 more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and another 1/3 of mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with the last 3 noodles, spreading the remaining marinara sauce on top and finishing with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Brief History of Lasagna
Lasagna has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. While many associate it with Italy, the origins of lasagna can be traced back to Greece, where a dish called “Laganon” consisted of layered pasta sheets with sauce. The dish evolved over centuries, and by the Middle Ages, Italian chefs had perfected the art of layering pasta with cheese and meats, creating the lasagna we know today.
In Italy, lasagna recipes vary by region. In Emilia-Romagna, traditional Lasagna alla Bolognese features a slow-cooked ragù with béchamel sauce. In Naples, Lasagna Napoletana includes ricotta, meatballs, and hard-boiled eggs. The Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna recipe takes inspiration from these traditions but simplifies the process, allowing home cooks to enjoy a classic dish with less preparation time.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite Among Home Cooks
One of the biggest appeals of this Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional lasagna recipes that require hours of slow-cooking sauce or making fresh pasta from scratch, this version uses pre-made marinara sauce and store-bought noodles, cutting down on prep time while maintaining a delicious homemade taste.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
✔ Time-Saving: No need to spend hours simmering sauce or rolling pasta—this recipe delivers rich flavors in a fraction of the time.
✔ Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is easy to follow and nearly foolproof.
✔ Customizable: You can modify the ingredients to fit different dietary needs or personal preferences.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: Lasagna tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing.
✔ Feeds a Crowd: It’s a great dish for family dinners, potlucks, or parties since one batch can serve multiple people.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lasagna
Even with a simplified lasagna recipe, there are some key techniques that will take your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients
Since this recipe relies on pre-made ingredients like marinara sauce and store-bought pasta, it’s crucial to use high-quality products. A rich, well-seasoned marinara sauce (like Rao’s or Classico) and whole milk mozzarella will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
2. Cook Noodles Properly
If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles (not oven-ready), cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked. Be sure to rinse them in cold water and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Layer Thoughtfully
Lasagna is all about the layers! Follow this basic layering sequence for a balanced and flavorful dish:
- Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add a layer of noodles, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread a generous portion of ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of meat sauce (or vegetables if making a vegetarian version).
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Repeat until you reach the final layer, topping with extra sauce and cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.
4. Let It Rest Before Slicing
After baking, let your lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut neat, even pieces without falling apart.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about lasagna is how easily it can be adapted to different dietary needs and preferences.
Vegetarian Lasagna
- Swap out the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes for added protein.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto Lasagna
- Replace traditional noodles with thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, or even sheets of cheese.
- Use a meat-heavy sauce with extra cheese to keep it rich and satisfying.
Dairy-Free Lasagna
- Use almond or cashew-based ricotta as a substitute for dairy ricotta.
- Opt for dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives.
Gluten-Free Lasagna
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles (available at most grocery stores).
- Check that your marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Lasagna is one of the best dishes for meal prep since it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to get the most out of your leftovers:
Refrigerating Lasagna
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm.
Freezing Lasagna
- You can freeze the entire dish before or after baking.
- To freeze before baking: Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze after baking: Let the lasagna cool completely, slice into portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze.
Reheating Frozen Lasagna
- From frozen (unbaked): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, covered with foil.
- From frozen (baked): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason lasagna remains a favorite comfort food it’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. This Quick & Easy Classico Lasagna is perfect for anyone who loves the traditional flavors of Italian cuisine but doesn’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, easy layering, and foolproof baking, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that tastes like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a special gathering, this lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to recipe for years to come!
