You can’t go wrong with this lasagna recipe. This will end your search for the easiest and most flavorful lasagna. It’s cheesy and packed with layers of flavor!
There’s no better way to feed a crowd then making Lasagna. It is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or to have at the dinner table for the holidays. This lasagna recipe can also be made for a dinner for two. The leftover lasagna can be frozen and reheated and it will definitely not change the amazing taste. Making lasagna can be a huge undertaking (although it’s worth it) but with a few simple steps, the process can be as easy and simple as possible.
One of the most important parts of making this lasagna is the meat sauce. If you like your meat sauce with veggies please take a look at my taco meat. The way I prepare this meat for tacos can be used in this lasagna recipe. All you have to add is the marinara sauce. I use my favorite store-bought marinara sauce. Of course, if you already have your homemade tomato sauce, it’s even better. To season the meat I used my homemade sofrito. I love this recipe because it saves me time and it incorporates the Latin flavors I love into my dishes.
How to make the best lasagna:
The first step is to prepare the meat sauce. For this, I combine my favorite marinara sauce and ground beef.
Step #1: Season ground beef. In this recipe, I’m using my flavorful sofrito recipe (or use your favorite seasoning). Proceed to add some black pepper and salt.
Step #2: In a large pan over medium heat place the oil and then the ground beef cook for about 10 minutes. You will notice moisture coming out, this is when you add 1 cup marinara sauce. Let it cook for an extra 5 -10 minutes and set aside.
Step #3: In a large pot, boil enough water to cook the noodles. I used three noodles per layer ( three layers). So I used 9 noodles in total. When cooking pasta I like to add some salt and oil to the water. Cook the noodles until al dente. ( I just use the pkg instructions:)
Step #4: Drain and run over water to cool down the noodles to make the assembly easier.
Now let’s assemble the lasagna:
Step #5: In a large casserole dish, drizzle some marinara sauce. Then, place the first layer of noodles, Add the first layer of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and some marinara sauce.
Step # 6: Next, add mozzarella cheese and some fresh basil (optional) Then repeat the steps with each layer. For the last layer add some freshly grated parmesan cheese and lots of mozzarella cheese.
Step #7: Take a long enough piece of foil paper and spray it with non-stick spray (this will prevent the foil paper from sticking to the top of the cheese layer. Cover the lasagna and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and created a crust. Let the lasagna cool down for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it so that the lasagna settles into its firm texture.
How to reheat leftovers:
There are two ways to reheat this lasagna. If you decide to reheat in a microwave my suggestion is to reheat individual slices. I usually cover the plate with either a microwave cover or use a paper towel over it. If you decide to use the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and make sure to cover with foil paper. Cook until the cheese is bubbly.
Enjoy the layers of flavor of this quick and easy lasagna.
Below you will find an easily printable recipe card. Please, feel free to leave any comments and/or suggestions. I would be delighted to hear from you all.
Until the next one…
The Best Quick and Easy Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (I use 93 lean-7 fat)
- 1 tablespoon of my sofrito (or your favorite seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon salt (I use kosher) divided
- 2 tablespoon oil (I use canola) divided
- 1 (32 oz.) can marinara sauce ( divided).
- 12 lasagna noodles (cook following package instructions)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- basil fresh optional
Instructions
How to make the best lasagna:
- Season the ground beef. In this recipe, I’m using my flavorful sofrito recipe (or use your favorite seasoning). Proceed to add some black pepper and salt.
- In a large pan over medium heat place the oil and then the ground beef cook for about 10 minutes. You will notice moisture coming out, this is when you add 1 cup marinara sauce. Let it cook for an extra 5 -10 minutes and set aside.
- In a large pot, boil enough water to cook the noodles. I like to add some salt and oil to the water. Cook until al dente. ( I just use the pkg instructions:)
- Drain and run over water to cool down the noodles to make the assembly easier.
Now let's assemble the lasagna:
- In a large casserole dish, drizzle some marinara sauce. Then, place the first layer of noodles, Add the first layer of ground beef, ricotta cheese, and some marinara sauce.
- Next, add mozzarella cheese and some fresh basil (optional) Then repeat the steps with each layer. For the last layer add some freshly grated parmesan cheese and lots of mozzarella cheese.
- Take a long enough piece of foil paper and spray it with non-stick spray (this will prevent the foil paper from sticking to the top of the cheese layer. Cover the lasagna and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and created a crust.
- Let the lasagna cool down for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it so that the lasagna settles into its firm texture.
Notes
- There are two ways to reheat this lasagna. If you decide to reheat in a microwave my suggestion is to reheat individual slices. I usually cover the plate with either a microwave cover or use a paper towel over it.
- If you decide to use the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and make sure to cover with foil paper. Cook until the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition
*Nutritional Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it and do not forget to tag your pictures to #asimpletweakrecipes on Instagram. Make sure to pin it in your favorite Pinterest board:)
