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For the ultimate cheesy weeknight lasagna, you need these key ingredients: - 9 lasagna noodles - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced These main ingredients form the base of your dish. The noodles provide structure, while the cheeses deliver that creamy, dreamy texture. The ground meat adds protein, and the marinara brings in rich flavors. To elevate your lasagna, don't forget these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Oregano and basil add depth to the sauce. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves on top give a lovely finish and aroma. Want to mix it up? Consider these optional add-ins: - Sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms - Different meats like sausage or chicken Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Using different meats can change the whole taste. Feel free to get creative with what you have! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the oven is hot when you bake the lasagna. While the oven heats up, cook the lasagna noodles. Follow the package instructions. Cook them until they are al dente, so they stay firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles well. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to avoid sticking. Next, grab a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir the meat, so it browns evenly. Once the meat is brown, drain any extra fat from the skillet. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend together nicely. Now it’s time to build your lasagna. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay down three lasagna noodles side by side on top of the sauce. Next, take half of the ricotta cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the noodles. Then, pour one-third of the remaining meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers. Add three more noodles on top for the final layer. Pour the leftover meat sauce over the top layer. Lastly, sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, shiny side down, to prevent sticking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy! To make a great cheese blend, use three types. I love ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella provides stretch. Parmesan gives a salty kick. Mix these cheeses in a bowl. Add one large egg for binding. This helps the cheese hold its shape. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor. Stir until smooth and well combined. You can cook this lasagna in different ways. A slow cooker works well for a hands-off approach. Layer your ingredients just as you would in the oven. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you want quicker cooking, use an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for about 25 minutes. Make sure to use a pot-in-pot method to avoid sogginess. To bake the lasagna evenly, cover it with aluminum foil. Make sure the shiny side faces down. This prevents sticking and keeps moisture in. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. This helps the cheese get golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers hold together. Pro Tips Prepare Noodles Ahead: To save time during the week, cook the lasagna noodles in advance and store them in a sealed container with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the filling by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as adding provolone or gouda for a unique twist on traditional flavors. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free lasagna, swap the ground beef or turkey for veggies. You can use mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. These add great flavor and texture. For extra protein, try lentils or chickpeas. Cook them like the meat, mixing with your sauce and spices. You won’t miss the meat! Cheese plays a big role in lasagna. If you want a twist, try different cheeses. Instead of ricotta, use cottage cheese for a lighter option. For a sharp taste, add goat cheese or feta. Mixing mozzarella with smoked provolone gives a nice smoky flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! You can make your lasagna with store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Store-bought saves time, but homemade can enhance flavor. If you choose to make your own, use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This way, you can control the taste and texture. Experiment and find what you love! To keep your cheesy lasagna fresh, let it cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it! Wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, be sure to reheat them safely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. Just cover it and heat in short bursts, checking often. Lasagna pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette complements the cheesy layers nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. These sides enhance the meal and make it feel special. Yes, you can make lasagna ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance. After assembling, cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the fridge. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as usual. You can tell when your lasagna is done by looking at the cheese. It should be golden brown and bubbly. The edges may also be slightly crispy. A cooking time of 40 to 45 minutes at 375°F works well. If you use a food thermometer, the center should reach 165°F. Let it cool for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. If you don't have ricotta cheese, you have options. Cottage cheese is a great substitute. Just blend it for a smoother texture. Cream cheese can work too, but it may taste richer. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Silken tofu is perfect for a dairy-free option. Just mash it well and mix it with some spices for flavor. Lasagna is a classic dish that brings comfort and joy. We covered the main ingredients like noodles, cheeses, and meats, along with seasonings that enhance flavor. You learned how to prepare the meat sauce, layer the ingredients, and perfect your baking process. Remember, you can customize your lasagna with different meats or veggies. Follow these tips for storing and reheating leftovers to enjoy your dish later. With this knowledge, you can make a delicious lasagna, whether for a cozy dinner or a gathering. Enjoy cooking and sharing your creation!

Ultimate Cheesy Weeknight Lasagna Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make lasagna packed with cheesy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 9 noodles lasagna
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and carefully lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add your choice of ground beef or turkey. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned throughout. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, incorporate the minced garlic, marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil into the meat mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to this mixture and mix until everything is well blended and smooth.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, laying them side by side.
  • Layer half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat these layers (noodles, ricotta, and sauce) until you have used up the ingredients, ensuring the last layer consists of the remaining three noodles placed on top. Pour the leftover meat sauce over this top layer and evenly sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring the shiny side is facing down to prevent sticking, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and has developed a golden brown color.
  • Once done, allow the lasagna to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves atop each generous serving before enjoying.

Notes

Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
Keyword cheesy, lasagna, weeknight dinner