Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe is the definition of cheesy, saucy, satisfying comfort food that you can pull off on a busy weeknight. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with layers of melty mozzarella, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner party, this lasagna fits the bill perfectly.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert to make it. This is the best lasagna for beginners, yet it doesn’t skimp on flavor. And yes, it can be made ahead, frozen, reheated, and devoured in all its gooey glory. Let’s dive into the most satisfying quick lasagna recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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Why You’ll Love This Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

This isn’t just any traditional Italian lasagna – it’s a time-saver that still delivers big on flavor. Here’s why it works:

• Classic ingredients, simple steps
• Perfectly layered pasta, beef, and cheese
• Family-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Easily adaptable (think vegetarian or gluten-free!)
• Ideal for meal prep pasta dishes or last-minute dinners

And yes, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s just that kind of lasagna.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

Let’s break it down. This list looks long, but it’s all kitchen staples:

Cheeses:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese/mascarpone if you want to mix it up)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce & Seasoning:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or use homemade)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Meat & Pasta:

• 9 lasagna noodles (classic or no-boil)
• 1 lb ground beef (or swap with Italian sausage or turkey)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 egg (for the ricotta mixture)

Optional Variations:

• Gluten-free lasagna noodles
• Add mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian lasagna recipe

Want a deeper dive into the traditional version? Explore this detailed homemade lasagna recipe for a more traditional twist.

How to Make a Quick Classic Lasagna

Here’s the step-by-step guide to mastering your new favorite quick classic lasagna recipe.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until soft. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasoning
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6: Layer the Lasagna
This is where the magic happens. In a 9×13 inch baking dish:

• Spread a little meat sauce on the bottom
• Add 3 lasagna noodles
• Spread half the ricotta mixture
• Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan
• Add more meat sauce
• Repeat the layers
• Finish with noodles, sauce, and the remaining cheese on top

Step 7: Bake the Lasagna
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Rest Before Slicing
Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, this is key!

Want an even easier version? Looking for something even simpler? Try this easiest lasagna recipe ever.

How Long to Bake Lasagna

The total baking time for this quick classic lasagna recipe is 45–50 minutes at 375°F:

• 35 minutes covered with foil
• 10–15 minutes uncovered

Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting into it.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lasagna with any of these crowd-pleasers:

• Crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted garlic broccoli or green beans
• Pair your lasagna with fresh homemade Italian bread
• Serve alongside a cozy Parmesan sausage soup for a hearty Italian meal
• A bold glass of red wine (go on, you earned it)

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze assembled (unbaked) lasagna up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil.
• Reheating: Oven at 350°F for 20–25 mins covered, or microwave individual slices for 3–5 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep pasta dishes

Need a cozy side? Try these savory Italian sliders as a side or party treat

Easy Lasagna Variations

Want to switch it up? This quick classic lasagna recipe is super adaptable.

• Spinach Lasagna: Add a layer of wilted spinach in between noodles
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free noodles and follow the same steps
• Vegetarian Lasagna: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of beef
• Italian Sausage Lasagna: Swap ground beef for hot or sweet sausage

For more Italian classics, don’t miss this Italian meatloaf recipe.

FAQs About This Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

Quick Classic Lasagna Recipe

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

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Description

A cheesy, saucy, and satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. This quick classic lasagna recipe is beginner-friendly, freezer-friendly, and always a hit with the whole family.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning mix
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• Optional: Gluten-free lasagna noodles
• Optional: Mushrooms or spinach for vegetarian version

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Instructions

1. Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer: a little meat sauce, 3 noodles, half the ricotta mix, 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan, more sauce. Repeat. Top with noodles, sauce, and remaining cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freeze unbaked lasagna up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 20–25 mins covered or microwave slices 3–5 mins. Try vegetarian or gluten-free variations!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Final Thoughts

This quick classic lasagna recipe is everything you love about comfort food: simple, reliable, and so dang satisfying. With its meaty sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly tender noodles, it’s a dish that never goes out of style.

Whether it’s your first time making lasagna or your hundredth, this recipe will have you feeling like a kitchen rockstar. Serve it with love, enjoy the leftovers, and don’t forget to save a piece for yourself before it disappears.

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