The Best Easy Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved for its rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors. This recipe is designed to be simple while offering flexibility for adding extra ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

The following table lists the basic ingredients and suggested additional ingredients to enhance flavor and texture.

Basic Ingredients	Optional Additions
12 lasagna noodles (cooked)	1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef	1/2 lb (225 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce	1/2 cup diced mushrooms
2 cups ricotta cheese	1/2 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese	1/2 cup black or green olives (sliced)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese	1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
1 large egg	1 small zucchini (grated)
1 tsp garlic powder	1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
1 tsp dried basil	1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
1 tsp dried oregano	1 cup shredded carrots (optional for sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste	1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for extra tanginess)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. If using Italian sausage, cook it with the beef for added flavor.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, along with garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
2. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Extra Ingredients (Optional)

1. If you’re using vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, sauté them lightly in olive oil.
2. Add any extras like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or olives directly to the sauce or layer them separately.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Add a layer of meat sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times, finishing with a top layer of sauce and mozzarella.
6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (lightly greased on the inside to prevent sticking).
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape when serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Make it Ahead: Lasagna is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and gouda for a richer flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with extra vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade lasagna, customized to your taste!

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