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Quick Easy Lasagna Layers

Category: Hearty Main Courses

This dish features tender pasta layered with seasoned Italian sausage, ground beef, and a creamy ricotta blend. A homemade meat sauce enriched with marinara, garlic, and onion perfumes each bite. Every layer is topped with shredded mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until golden and bubbly. With minimal prep, this hearty casserole comes together quickly and serves a crowd. Letting the finished bake rest briefly ensures tidy slices packed with flavor. Enjoy a comforting classic filled with rich tomato, aromatic herbs, and a variety of cheeses, all ready in under an hour.

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Ranah
Updated on Wed, 01 Oct 2025 23:17:08 GMT
A dish of lasagna with meat and cheese. Save
A dish of lasagna with meat and cheese. | bakeitgood.com

Nothing beats the comfort of a bubbling pan of lasagna on a busy weeknight With layers of hearty meat sauce creamy ricotta and gooey cheese this quick and easy version delivers all the traditional flavor with way less fuss My family devours it every single time

The first time I made this on a hectic weeknight everyone kept coming back for second helpings Now it is my go to party recipe when I need a guaranteed hit

Ingredients

  • Lasagna sheets: Choose no boil noodles for extra speed Look for ones with a slightly rough texture so sauce clings well
  • Olive oil: Just a little helps soften the onions and build flavor quality extra virgin brings the best taste
  • Yellow onion: Sweet and mellow builds the flavor base Pick a fresh firm onion with tight skin
  • Italian sausage: Brings seasoned and savory depth Pick mild or spicy to suit your taste
  • Ground beef: Lean ground beef ensures the dish is not too greasy Choose bright red beef with little excess liquid
  • Seasoned salt and Italian seasoning: Both add layers of herby and savory flavor go for fresh dried herbs if possible
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: They boost the savoriness and round out the meat sauce
  • Minced garlic: Freshly minced gives the sauce its signature aroma go for plump cloves
  • Marinara sauce: A quality jarred sauce cuts time but delivers flavor Check the label for a short ingredient list
  • Mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey melt Try shredding your own for better melt and flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp nuttiness Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy layer for richness Buy whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture
  • Egg: Whisking one egg into the ricotta helps the mixture set and slice neatly
  • Dried parsley: Adds color and subtle herbiness sprinkle in for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add lasagna sheets and cook until just al dente Drain well and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking
Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high Add diced onions and sauté patiently for three to four minutes until soft and fragrant Next add both Italian sausage and ground beef breaking up with a spatula Cook until no pink remains Drain off any fat before adding the garlic Cook for one minute more then stir in seasoned salt onion powder garlic powder and Italian seasoning Add marinara sauce and simmer together for even more flavor
Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a small mixing bowl whisk egg then fold in ricotta mozzarella parmesan and dried parsley Mix until creamy and well blended This layer will give the lasagna its signature silky richness
Assemble the Layers:
Spread a small amount of meat sauce along the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Place two to three noodles over the sauce Spoon a thin layer of ricotta mixture over the noodles Repeat layering sauce noodles and ricotta mixture until all ingredients are used up Always finish with a generous layer of sauce on top
Cheese Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan over the assembled lasagna Cover with foil and bake at three hundred seventy five for thirty five minutes Remove foil and continue baking for an extra ten minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly Let rest at least ten minutes so layers set before cutting
A close up of a lasagna dish. Save
A close up of a lasagna dish. | bakeitgood.com

The fresh Italian sausage is my secret weapon I love how the flavors transform during baking and my kids always argue over the corner piece with the crispiest cheese crust Making this reminds me of cozy family reunions where everyone gathers in the kitchen hoping for a taste before dinner

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers tightly wrapped for up to four days This dish also freezes beautifully Slice into portions wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge for a make ahead dinner that tastes freshly baked

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ricotta cottage cheese makes a nice swap You can use all ground beef or all sausage or try a mix for deeper flavor For a lighter version use ground turkey or chicken and reduced fat cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with garlic bread and a crisp green salad For extra zing add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes before serving It is also delicious with a glass of red wine

A pan of lasagna with meat and cheese. Save
A pan of lasagna with meat and cheese. | bakeitgood.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Lasagna’s origins trace back to ancient Italy with each region having its own version This American Italian take is beloved for its meatiness and baked cheese top Proof that comfort food knows no borders

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a lighter texture and subtle tang.

→ What meat works best for this dish?

A mix of Italian sausage and ground beef creates rich flavor, but either can be used individually.

→ How long should lasagna rest before slicing?

Allow it to rest 10–15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add extra time when baking from cold.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Use Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and a top-quality marinara for robust, aromatic notes throughout.

Quick Easy Lasagna Layers

Layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese create a comforting, weeknight favorite.

Prep Time
10 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Seham

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Style: American, Italian

Output: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 12 lasagna sheets
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 ½ yellow onion, diced
04 1 pound Italian sausage
05 1 pound ground beef
06 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 1 tablespoon minced garlic
11 24 ounces marinara sauce
12 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
13 ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

→ Ricotta Mixture

14 15 ounces ricotta cheese
15 1 egg, whisked
16 ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
17 ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
18 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to boil, add the lasagna sheets, and cook per the package instructions until al dente.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and diced onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, cooking until no pink is visible. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain off excess grease, then season with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir in marinara sauce until well combined.

Step 03

In a small mixing bowl, whisk the egg. Add ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 04

In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. Layer 2-3 cooked lasagna sheets (as needed to cover), then add a layer of ricotta mixture. Repeat the layering process until the dish is full, ending with a top layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of parmesan cheese.

Step 05

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes and Tips

  1. Ground beef and Italian sausage can be used interchangeably or combined for additional flavor.
  2. Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta if preferred.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • 9x13 baking dish

Allergy Information

Double-check all ingredients for allergen risks, and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, ricotta, egg)
  • Contains gluten (lasagna sheets)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 1001
  • Fats: 62 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 54 g