Extra Easy Lasagna

Extra Easy Lasagna

6 servings
This easy lasagna recipe is a weeknight dinner superhero. With a trio of cheeses, an easy sauce, and no-boil noodles, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 canned chopped tomatoes

    14-ounce

  • 2 cans tomato paste

    6-ounce

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 package no-boil lasagna noodles

    8-ounce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta or small curd cottage cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped parsley

    for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, stirring to crumble, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off the fat.

  3. 3

    To the skillet of ground beef, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Place half of noodles in a lightly greased 12- x 8- x 2-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping lengthwise edges. Spoon one-third of the meat mixture over the noodles; add half of the shredded mozzarella, ricotta or cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers, and spoon on the remaining meat mixture. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Let the finished dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped parsley, if desired.

Extra Easy Lasagna

Extra Easy Lasagna

4.6(16)60 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 16 ratings

southernliving.com
4.6(16 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving that comforting, cheesy lasagna but short on time? This Extra Easy Lasagna is a true weeknight dinner superhero, bringing all the rich flavors of a classic dish to your table with minimal fuss. Designed to be a family favorite, it delivers on both taste and convenience, making homemade lasagna a delicious reality even on busy evenings.

Why This Lasagna Works

The secret to this recipe's amazing simplicity lies in its clever combination of ingredients and ease. By utilizing no-boil lasagna noodles, you completely skip the common, time-consuming step of pre-cooking pasta. Coupled with an easy-to-prepare sauce featuring rich canned chopped tomatoes and concentrated tomato paste, and a satisfying trio of cheeses, this lasagna assembles quickly while still developing incredible depth of flavor in the oven. It's truly an ingenious approach to a beloved classic.

What to Expect

Prepare for a hearty and satisfying experience with every forkful of this Extra Easy Lasagna. You'll savor layers of tender, perfectly cooked no-boil noodles nestled between a savory, well-seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce. The dish is generously studded with a creamy blend of ricotta or small curd cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella, all crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of fresh mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The subtle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and meat, making for a beautifully balanced dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Customization & Variations

This recipe offers a few simple ways to tailor it to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level—omit them entirely for a milder lasagna, or add a pinch more for a touch of heat. The recipe provides the option of using either ricotta or small curd cottage cheese; choose whichever you prefer for the creamy layer. The fresh parsley garnish is entirely optional but adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Serving & Context

This Extra Easy Lasagna is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal when entertaining friends. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. It's a satisfying centerpiece that promises to delight.

Frequently Asked Questions