Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my all-time favorite dishes to prepare is Simple Lasagna. I remember growing up, the smell of lasagna baking in my grandmother’s oven would fill the entire house and bring everyone together. On rainy Sundays, we would gather around the kitchen table, sharing stories, laughing, and savoring each cheesy, meaty bite. That tradition inspired me to create this version one that’s approachable, comforting, and full of love. Today, I want to share my Simple Lasagna Recipe with you so you can create those same warm memories at home.
From layering tender pasta to spreading rich, creamy cheese, this Simple Lasagna Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Every layer of pasta, sauce, and cheese is a hug on a plate. I use everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a comforting meal without any fuss. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to make it the perfect balance of hearty and cheesy, and I’m excited for you to try it.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Lasagna isn’t just a meal it’s an experience. I love how versatile it is. You can make it with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables. I love seeing the joy on my family’s faces when I pull a golden, bubbling tray out of the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone feel cozy and loved.
What makes this Simple Lasagna Recipe special to me is that it’s easy. Life can be busy, but this recipe doesn’t require fancy techniques or hours of prep. You can make it from scratch with basic ingredients, and it still tastes like a restaurant-quality lasagna. Plus, it’s forgiving! You can tweak the seasoning, add extra layers of cheese, or sneak in some vegetables without losing that classic comfort.
Every time I make this, I’m reminded of my childhood memories in the kitchen and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Cooking is my way of connecting with people, and lasagna has always been the ultimate expression of that love.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I use for my Simple Lasagna Recipe, along with a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- 12 lasagna sheets (no-boil works perfectly if you’re short on time)
- 500g ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500g ricotta cheese
- 250g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (helps bind the ricotta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Kitchen Secrets:
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft this releases their natural sweetness and forms the flavor base.
- Use a mix of ricotta and egg for creamier layers that hold together beautifully when baked.
- Let your lasagna rest 10–15 minutes after baking; it makes slicing much easier.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Prepare the sauce: I heat olive oil in a large pan, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Mix the cheese layer: In a bowl, I combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a handful of Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture adds a luscious texture between the pasta layers.
- Assemble the lasagna: I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, I spread a thin layer of meat sauce first. Then a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by ricotta mixture, then meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. I repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake it: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to settle, giving you perfect slices every time.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving my Simple Lasagna Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread on the side is a must I spread butter and minced garlic on fresh baguette slices, sprinkle a little parsley, and toast until golden. We often pour a glass of red wine for the adults and sparkling juice for the kids.
The table is always warm and inviting. I like to let everyone serve themselves so they can pile as much or as little as they like. Watching everyone’s smiles and hearing the “mmm”s makes all the effort worth it.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: I often make a double batch, freeze the extra portions, and bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 50–60 minutes, covered.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, or reheat in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover with foil, and store in the fridge. Bake just before serving for fresh, hot layers of goodness.
100-Word Short Version
This Simple Lasagna Recipe is my go-to comfort meal. I layer tender pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Easy to assemble, forgiving, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. I start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground beef, then simmering with tomatoes and herbs. Ricotta mixed with egg adds creamy layers, while mozzarella and Parmesan top it off. Baked to golden perfection and rested for easy slicing, this lasagna brings warmth, smiles, and shared memories to every table. Simple, cozy, and unforgettable.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 500g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500g ricotta cheese
- 250g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
📝 Notes
- No-boil pasta works well.
- Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for a day before baking.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 22g 🧈
Saturated fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g 🍞
Protein: 28g 🍖
Sodium: 550mg
Sugar: 8g 🍅
Simple Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Simple Lasagna Recipe is a comforting, cheesy classic perfect for family dinners. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 500g ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 800g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500g ricotta cheese
- 250g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer lasagna sheets, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, bake 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- No-boil pasta works well.
- Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for a day before baking.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Conclusion
Making lasagna is like crafting a story layer by layer. Each step sautéing, mixing, layering, baking adds flavor and love. This Simple Lasagna Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a way to gather family, share smiles, and create memories that linger long after the last bite. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Cooking is about more than ingredients it’s about moments, love, and laughter shared with the people who matter most.