Easiest Lasagna

$To make the Easiest Lasagna, you need these simple ingredients: - 12 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish If you want to adjust the serving size, here are some quick conversions: - For 4 servings, use 6 noodles, 1 cup ricotta, and 1 cup mozzarella. - For 8 servings, use 18 noodles, 3 cups ricotta, and 3 cups mozzarella. You can easily make this lasagna fit different diets. For a vegetarian option, swap meat with layers of spinach or mushrooms. This keeps it tasty and filling. If you need gluten-free pasta, look for brands that offer gluten-free lasagna noodles. They work well and taste great. Feel free to explore these choices to make the Easiest Lasagna your own! 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure the lasagna cooks evenly. 2. Cook the lasagna noodles as directed on the package until they are al dente. This means they should still have a little bite. Drain them and set aside. 3. Prepare the ricotta mixture. In a big bowl, mix together: - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir until it is smooth and creamy. 1. Assemble the first layer. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. 2. Add noodles. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. 3. Spread the ricotta mixture. Use half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. 4. Add cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a third of the parmesan cheese on top. 5. Repeat the process. Do steps 2 to 4 one more time. Use 4 more noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella. 6. Finish the layering. Top with the last 4 noodles. Pour the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese on top. 7. Tips for even distribution: Make sure to spread the cheese and sauce evenly. This helps every bite taste great. 1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. To avoid sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray. 2. Bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. 3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step helps the cheese get bubbly and golden. 4. Cool before slicing. Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Enjoy your delicious lasagna! To get the best cheese texture, use fresh cheeses. Fresh mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded. For ricotta, drain it well. This helps avoid a soggy mix. You want creamy, not watery. To avoid watery lasagna, layer smartly. Start with sauce at the bottom. This keeps noodles moist. Use less sauce in each layer. Too much sauce can make it runny. Want a faster prep? Use no-boil lasagna noodles. They cook in the oven, saving time. You can also prepare your cheese mix the night before. Some kitchen tools make life easier. A lasagna pan is a must. A good spatula helps with layering. A sharp knife is perfect for slicing. These small tools help you create great meals. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily change up your lasagna with add-ins. If you want a meaty lasagna, you can use ground beef, sausage, or turkey. These meats add rich flavor and protein. Brown the meat in a pan before mixing it with the sauce. This step helps reduce grease. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. Just chop them finely and sauté them first. This makes them tender and flavorful. You can mix these veggies in with the ricotta or layer them in between the noodles. For a healthier option, try low-fat cheese. You can swap regular ricotta and mozzarella for low-fat versions. This change helps reduce calories while keeping taste. You can also explore alternative sauces. Instead of marinara, try pesto or a light Alfredo sauce. These sauces add unique flavors. You can also use fresh herbs for seasoning. Basil, thyme, or parsley can brighten the dish. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. It shows you how to create your own tasty variations! To keep your lasagna fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you have a big portion left, use plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the fridge within two hours of baking. This keeps harmful bacteria away. Lasagna stays good for about three to five days in the fridge. When you reheat, cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in. Heat it in the microwave for about 5 minutes. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. You can freeze lasagna before or after baking. To freeze it before baking, assemble it as usual. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. This keeps air out. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Then, wrap it well in foil. Label it with the date. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, you can use the microwave. To reheat frozen lasagna, bake it straight from the freezer. Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover it with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese. Enjoy your meal! Easiest Lasagna takes about 50 minutes to cook. This includes 25 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered. You will also need 20 minutes for prep. So, plan for about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish. Yes, you can use no-boil noodles in this recipe. They save you time and effort. Just layer them with sauce and cheese as normal. They will cook perfectly in the oven. Lasagna pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh salad for a light touch - Steamed veggies for extra color - A glass of red wine for a classic twist These sides balance the rich flavors of the lasagna and make your meal complete. For more details, check the Full Recipe for serving suggestions. In this blog post, we covered all you need for the Easiest Lasagna. You learned about ingredients and helpful substitutions, plus step-by-step baking instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your lasagna and quick fixes to save time. We explored tasty variations and provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. With this guide, making lasagna can be simple and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress your friends and family with your delicious results!$

Discover how to make the easiest cheesy lasagna that will delight your family and friends! This simple recipe combines layers of rich ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this lasagna is ready in just 50 minutes. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring this cheesy goodness to your table today!

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Ingredients

12 lasagna noodles

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 cups marinara sauce

1 large egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.

Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and a third of the parmesan cheese.

Repeat steps 4-6 one more time, using 4 more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella.

Finish with the last 4 noodles, topping with the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings