Easy Weeknight Lasagna a Taste of Italy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that comforting, cheesy hug of a traditional lasagna recipe easy ? Honestly, who doesn’t? This version brings all the Italian flavour with none of the fuss.

We're talking rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and that irresistible, bubbly cheese topping.

Brief Overview

Lasagna, originating from Italy, is a dish steeped in history. It's pure comfort food. This Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe is straightforward.

It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes total and feeds about 8 hungry folks.

Main Benefits

This recipe is fantastic because it is simple. Even if you are beginner, this recipe will work! It’s perfect for a family get-together or a cozy night in.

Easy Weeknight Lasagna: A Taste of Italy

Fancy some authentic Italian flavours but short on time? This easy lasagna recipe for beginners simplifies the traditional classic. This Quick Weeknight Lasagna is perfect for a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

We're focusing on rich, flavorful ingredients and techniques, so even new cooks can create a layered masterpiece. Forget complicated béchamel sauces! This Simple lasagna recipe no béchamel recipe is amazing.

This recipe aims to simplify a Traditional Lasagna Recipe .

It's rated "Easy," because we're using no-boil noodles (yes, a little shortcut!), and focusing on a simple, yet deeply flavored, meat sauce.

The layering is the most technical part, but anyone can handle that. You just layer the Lasagna Steps .

Prep will take you about 25 minutes. Baking takes 45 minutes. So, just over an hour. And the deliciousness feeds about 8 people. You'll learn all Ingredients To Make Lasagna .

Why settle for less when you can create this Best homemade lasagna recipe ?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the easy meat lasagna recipe . This traditional lasagna recipe easy is totally doable, even if you’re a newbie! I promise.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Lasagna Arsenal

This section breaks down everything you need to make this classic Italian lasagna recipe . Let’s get started!

Main Ingredients

Honestly, ingredients to make lasagna isn't too crazy. I aim for maximum flavor, minimal fuss.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Quality counts! A good extra virgin makes a difference.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for lean ground beef. Less fat to drain!
• Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup, 150g) , chopped. Yellow or white is fine.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (about 1 teaspoon, 5g) , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . The good stuff! San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) . Adds that smooth texture.
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170g) . Super concentrated flavor!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Essential Italian herb.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Complements the oregano.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). For a bit of heat!
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Brings out the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground if possible.
• Parsley: 1/4 cup (6g) , chopped (optional). Adds freshness.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) , whole milk or part skim. Get creamy stuff, it makes all the difference. For a Lasagna Recipe Easy Ricotta is a must have.
• Egg: 1 large (50g) . Binds the ricotta.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated. Real Parmesan, not the powdery stuff!
• Nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon (pinch) . Adds a warm note to the ricotta filling.
• No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: 9 noodles (approx. 250g) . These are lifesavers!
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Melts beautifully.

Seasoning Notes

Get your spices right and the magic happens. A Simple lasagna recipe no béchamel can be just as flavorful.

• Essential Spice Combo: Oregano and basil are your power couple here. Don't skip them!
• Flavor Enhancers: A little red pepper flake adds warmth, and fresh parsley brightens it all up.
• Substitution Tip: If you don't have dried basil, use a little more oregano. Works a treat.

Equipment Needed

Don’t overthink it. For a quick weeknight lasagna, keep it simple.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and simmering the sauce.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: The classic lasagna vessel.
• Mixing Bowl: For the ricotta filling.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially for spices.

Okay, let's dive into making this easy weeknight lasagna . Forget what you think you know. This ain't your grandma's all-day affair.

We're talking comfort food, streamlined. Think 'Bake Off' but without the pressure.

Cooking Your Way to Lasagna Glory

Honestly, making a traditional lasagna recipe easy doesn't have to be a slog. I've tried the fancy methods, the bechamel sauces, the "authentic" everything.

You know what? Sometimes simple is just better . This easy meat lasagna recipe proves it.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place : Chop your onion, mince your garlic, measure out your spices. Trust me, it'll save you from a kitchen meltdown later.

Organization is key. Honestly, you'll spend 25 minutes for the Prep Time.

Time saving organization tips : While the beef browns, get the ricotta mixture prepped. It's like a kitchen relay race, but the prize is lasagna.

Safety reminders (if applicable) : Don't be a hero. Use oven mitts, and watch out for steam when you take the foil off.

step-by-step: Lasagna Steps to Success

1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Drain that fat! No one wants a greasy lasagna.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves . Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes . Smells amazing, right?
3. Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce , 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste , 1 teaspoon oregano , 1/2 teaspoon basil , 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon salt , and 1/2 teaspoon pepper . Simmer, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes .
4. Mix 15 ounces ricotta , 1 egg , 1/4 cup Parmesan , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and a pinch of nutmeg. This is your creamy dream team.
5. Layer it up! Sauce, noodles ( 9 no-boil lasagna noodles ), ricotta, mozzarella ( 2 cups ), repeat. Finish with sauce and cheese.
6. Cover and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes . Remove the foil, bake for another 15 minutes . Golden, bubbly perfection.
7. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes . Patience, young Padawan. I know it's tempting.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lasagna

• Don't overcook! Mushy lasagna is sad lasagna.
• A splash of red wine in the sauce? Chef's kiss .
• make-ahead? Absolutely. Assemble it, cover it, and bake it the next day. A quick weeknight lasagna hero! The secret is not that is simple, but that it can be a simple lasagna recipe no béchamel . You know? And if you are looking for ingredients to make lasagna , the local market is the place, lasagna recipe easy ricotta ones are easily found, and I normally love the easy lasagna recipe for beginners , it is all the love!

So next time you're craving comfort food, remember this classic Italian lasagna recipe . It's the best homemade lasagna recipe , and it's easier than you think! Honestly, you will impress everyone with this Traditional Lasagna Recipe .

Recipe Notes for Your Easy Weeknight Lasagna

Alright, so you're ready to bake! Here are some extra tips and tricks for my easy meat lasagna recipe . Think of these as friendly advice.

I promise, following them will make your traditional lasagna recipe easy a total winner.

Serving Suggestions: Lasagna, The Star of the Show

Presentation is key, innit? When plating, I like to cut a generous square of this best homemade lasagna recipe , let it lean slightly on the plate, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

Makes it look proper fancy, you know? Serve it with some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that lovely sauce.

Seriously, who can resist? A crisp Caesar salad is also a great shout to cut through the richness. Or you could crack open a bottle of Chianti.

Pairs perfectly, trust me.

Storage Tips: Keep That Lasagna Going!

Right, so you’ve got leftovers. Lucky you! To keep your quick weeknight lasagna fresh, let it cool down a bit.

Then, cover it tightly with cling film or foil and pop it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.

To freeze it, cut the lasagna into individual portions. Wrap them well in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, just bung it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through and bubbly.

Microwaving works in a pinch, but it's not quite the same. Honestly, the oven keeps the Lasagna Steps in quality.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Lasagna

Fancy mixing things up? You can easily adapt this recipe. For a veggie version, swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms and courgettes.

It's proper lush, honestly. Or, if you're watching your dairy, you could use a lower fat ricotta. I did once try a version with chicken.

Added some pesto to the cheese filling for extra flavour. It was top-notch. These adaptations, when done correctly, still meet my Simple lasagna recipe no béchamel requirements.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body with Comfort

Each slice of this amazing classic Italian lasagna recipe is about 450 calories . It's packed with protein (about 35g ) from the beef and cheese, which is great for muscle building.

There's also a fair bit of fat (around 25g ) which, let's face it, is what makes it taste so good.

But it also gives you a decent dose of carbs ( 40g ) for energy. Remember, the nutrition will change based on what ingredients to make lasagna you use.

Just saying.

So there you have it! Don't be scared to give this a go. With my easy lasagna recipe for beginners , You can totally nail this recipe.

Get in the kitchen and have some fun. You might just surprise yourself!