Lasagna can be considered the Italian equivalent of Biryani, garnering a significant following due to its addictive nature. However, many individuals find it daunting to prepare, given the intricate layering and additional cooking techniques involved. Allow me to share with you an easy lasagna recipe that you are sure to appreciate. Should you desire, feel free to incorporate additional spices and tailor the dish to suit your palate. I must emphasize that I am not an Italian culinary expert, but rather, this is my approach to preparing lasagna.
Ingredients for lasagna
Lasagna sheets
For this easy version of lasagna, I used ready-to-bake lasagna sheets. So I spend less time cooking and prepping. They are ready to go in the oven to bake, just layer everything.
Cheese
Lasagna has a lot of cheese, I used fresh mozzarella and grated colby jack for layering the cheese in between the layers. I have sliced the fresh mozzarella and used a grated colby jack. It is best to grate your cheese for maximum freshness and cheesy texture.
Ingredients for meat sauce
Beef
To make the meat sauce I used beef, cooked it down, and added all of the spices. You can also make this with chicken if you like or add the ground sausage of your choice.
Pasta sauce/tomato sauce
To make this easy lasagna I used a 24 oz jar of ready-made pasta sauce which already has spices and flavors. You can use any pasta sauce of your choice which is easier to use. Just season the meat and then add pasta sauce.
Ingredients for the ricotta cheese mixture
I used 16 oz ricotta cheese to make the cheese mixture and added an egg, seasoning, and grated cheese. This way your cheese mixture is ready within five minutes and you don’t have to prepare white sauce.
Baking time
For a 9×13 lasagna dish, I bake it at 375°F for 25 minutes covered, and then for another 20 minutes uncovered. Once it’s nicely golden take it out of the oven and rest the lasagna for at least 20 minutes for the layers to set.
How to serve Lasagna
It is important to rest the lasagna for at least 20 minutes before cutting it so the layer gets time to set. Lasagna is a complete meal, you do not need a side dish, but if you want add a side salad and enjoy. You can also add some crushed chilies and parmesan cheese on the side to serve it.
Easy Lasagna
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package lasagna ready to bake
Ingredients for meat sauce
- 24 oz jar of pasta sauce any flavor
- 1 lbs minced meat
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups water
Ingredients for cheese mixture
- 1 egg
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Other ingredients
- 2-3 cups shredded cheese of your choice
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
- cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare meat sauce
- Peel and chop an onion.
- Add olive oil and minced beef to a pan and cook it on medium heat. With the help of a spoon, break down the beef as much as possible.
- Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chopped onion.
- Cook them together for 5 minutes, then add a jar of pasta sauce.
- Add two cups of water and mix everything. Let it simmer on medium-low heat.
Prepare ricotta mixture
- Make your ricotta mixture by mixing ricotta cheese, an egg, 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Layer everything
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking tray with nonstick spray. Add layers in this order.
- Lasagna sheets, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and cheese.
- Keep repeating until all of the things are used.
- The top layer is going to be the cheese.
- Cover with foil paper and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Then uncover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes before cutting, and enjoy.
Notes
- Spraying the bottom of the pan will prevent the lasagna from sticking.
- You can also use regular pasta sheets.