Quick and Delicious Easy Lasagna Recipe: Family Dinner Made Simple in Under 90 Minutes

This homemade lasagna uses lean ground beef, three types of cheese, and jarred spaghetti sauce for a hearty, family-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe

• Quick prep time – Just 10 minutes of hands-on work
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients you may already have
• Family favorite – With over 1,200 positive reviews, this recipe is a proven winner
• Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for meal prep or freezing

Nutrition Information

Per Serving:
377 calories |
26g carbs |
29g protein |
17g fat |
870mg sodium

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Lasagna

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 (16 oz) container cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. If using regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil), cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. To assemble the lasagna, spread ½ cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by ⅓ of the cheese mixture, and then ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce.
8. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with the meat sauce on top.
9. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving to help it set.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Every Time

Make-Ahead Options

This easy lasagna recipe is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand, then follow the baking instructions, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Freezing Instructions

For a freezer-friendly meal:

• Freeze before baking: Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freeze after baking: Cool completely, portion into individual servings, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: If frozen unbaked, thaw in refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding 15-20 minutes. If frozen after baking, reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Variations to Try

• Meat Lovers: Add ½ pound of Italian sausage alongside the ground beef
• Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce
• Ricotta Swap: Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a more traditional approach
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of sliced provolone cheese for even more cheesy goodness

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Lasagna

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes! No-boil noodles work perfectly in this recipe. Simply layer them in uncooked, but make sure they’re completely covered by sauce to ensure proper cooking.

Why does my lasagna turn out watery?

This can happen if the noodles are overcooked or if there’s excess moisture in the cheese mixture. Make sure to drain the beef well and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set properly.

What sides go well with lasagna?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli all complement this lasagna beautifully.

How long do leftovers last?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Easy Lasagna Recipe

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this easy lasagna recipe delivers incredible flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want delicious leftovers for the week ahead, this lasagna is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The perfect balance of savory meat, creamy cheese, and tender pasta makes this a true crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love!

Recipe adapted from: Allrecipes