Delicious homemade lasagna served in a festive holiday setting

Quick & Easy Lasagna: 1 Holiday Crowd Pleaser

ByNaya Lucas
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Why make this recipe

Quick & Easy Lasagna is perfect for a holiday gathering or any occasion where you want to please a crowd. This comforting dish combines layers of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s not only delicious but also simple to make, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks.

How to make Quick & Easy Lasagna

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  9. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  10. Layer with another third of the meat sauce.
  11. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
  12. Top with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  13. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  14. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  15. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

How to serve Quick & Easy Lasagna

Serve the lasagna warm from the oven. Cut it into generous squares and offer a side salad and garlic bread to complement the meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can add a nice touch.

How to store Quick & Easy Lasagna

After the lasagna has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions of it for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Quick & Easy Lasagna

  • Ensure noodles are fully cooked but not too soft, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • For a richer flavor, try adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor. Try adding provolone or asiago to the mozzarella.

Variation

You can switch the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version. Swap out the marinara for a homemade sauce using fresh tomatoes or marinara sauce variations for different flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to eat.

2. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions, as they usually require a bit more sauce for cooking.

3. How do I reheat leftover lasagna?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Quick & Easy Lasagna

This comforting Quick & Easy Lasagna features layers of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it perfect for any crowd-pleasing occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound lasagna noodles Use regular lasagna noodles.
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 ounces.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
Cheese Mixture
  • 1 container ricotta cheese 15 ounces.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For layering.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
  9. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  10. Layer with another third of the meat sauce.
  11. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
  12. Top with the remaining noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  13. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  14. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  15. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the lasagna warm with a side salad and garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can enhance presentation. Allow to cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days; can freeze for up to 3 months.

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