Easy Lasagna Recipe with Simple Ingredients and Quick Preparation

Why You’ll Love This Quick Cozy Lasagna

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This Quick Cozy Lasagna is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings the family together around the table with its rich flavors and heartwarming aroma. As someone who believes that cooking should be enjoyable rather than stressful, I’ve crafted this recipe to be approachable for cooks of all skill levels while delivering that classic lasagna taste everyone craves.

The ease of preparation sets this lasagna apart from more complicated versions. With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, you can have this delicious meal on the table without the hassle of traditional lasagna recipes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it perfect for families with different needs.

Health Benefits of This Lasagna

Beyond its amazing taste, this Quick Cozy Lasagna offers balanced nutrition with quality proteins and wholesome ingredients. Each serving provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to keep you satisfied. The recipe features lean ground beef and Italian sausage combined with calcium-rich cheeses, creating a meal that feels indulgent while still providing nutritional value.

Jump To

• 1. Why You’ll Love This Quick Cozy Lasagna
• 2. Essential Ingredients for Quick Cozy Lasagna
• 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Quick Cozy Lasagna: Step-by-Step Guide
• 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Quick Cozy Lasagna
• 5. Mastering Quick Cozy Lasagna: Advanced Tips and Variations
• 6. Nutritional Information for Quick Cozy Lasagna
• 7. How to Store Quick Cozy Lasagna: Best Practices
• 8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Cozy Lasagna
• 9. Quick Cozy Lasagna

Essential Ingredients for Quick Cozy Lasagna

Recipe Ingredients

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 finely diced yellow onion
• ¾ lb ground beef
• ¾ lb ground Italian sausage
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 40 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles (plus extras for breakage)
• 2.5 cups mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Understanding Your Ingredients

The secret to any great lasagna starts with quality ingredients. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creaminess, meltiness, and sharp flavor. Freshly grated cheese always melts better than pre-shredded varieties, so I recommend buying blocks and grating them yourself for the best results. The Italian seasoning adds that classic herbal note, while the hot sauce and Worcestershire add subtle depth to the sauce without making it spicy.

The meat sauce brings heartiness to the dish, with both beef and Italian sausage contributing their distinct flavors. The chicken broth helps create a rich sauce base, while the onion and garlic provide aromatic depth. When it comes to pasta, traditional lasagna noodles work wonderfully, but no-boil or fresh noodles can save time without sacrificing quality.

How to Prepare the Perfect Quick Cozy Lasagna: Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Cheese Filling

Start by making your cheese filling, which will add that creamy element between the pasta layers. In a medium bowl, combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese with 1 large egg, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix everything until well combined, then set this mixture aside while you work on the meat sauce.

Make the Meat Sauce

While the cheese mixture rests, begin preparing the savory meat sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and cook for about 10 minutes until soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce.

Next, add ¾ lb of ground beef and ¾ lb of ground Italian sausage to the pan. Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown for 8-10 minutes. During the last minute of browning, add 3 minced garlic cloves so they release their aroma without burning. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess grease.

Now it’s time to transform the browned meat into a rich sauce. Stir in ½ cup of chicken broth, 40 oz of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer while you prepare the noodles. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Prepare the Noodles

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 lasagna noodles (I always recommend using a few extras in case some break) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, then lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get out a 9×13 inch casserole dish and begin layering your Quick Cozy Lasagna. Start by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.

Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by 1.5 cups of meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, using all your remaining noodles, cheese filling, and most of the sauce. For your final layer, end with noodles topped with the remaining ricotta mixture, sauce, and then 2.5 cups of mozzarella cheese as the final topping.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the lasagna with foil that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray (this prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil). Bake for 35 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean portions. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your Quick Cozy Lasagna with family and friends!

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Quick Cozy Lasagna

One of the wonderful things about lasagna is its versatility. Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or simply prefer different ingredients, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your needs.

Protein Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You could also use plant-based ground meat substitutes for a vegetarian or vegan version. For those avoiding pork, simply replace the Italian sausage with more beef or a fennel-seasoned turkey sausage to maintain that distinctive flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Options

For a gluten-free Quick Cozy Lasagna, simply swap traditional noodles for gluten-free lasagna sheets. Most major pasta brands now offer excellent gluten-free options that hold up well in casseroles. Just check that your other ingredients, particularly seasonings and sauces, are certified gluten-free as well.

Vegan Adaptations

Creating a vegan version of this lasagna is easier than ever with the wide availability of plant-based products. Use vegan ricotta and dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of traditional dairy products. Egg substitutes like flaxseed or commercial egg replacers work well to bind the filling. For the meat, opt for plant-based ground meat products that closely mimic the texture of ground beef and sausage.

Mastering Quick Cozy Lasagna: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Cooking Techniques

For the most flavorful Quick Cozy Lasagna, try cooking your sauce longer than the basic instructions suggest. Allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes will reduce excess moisture, resulting in a less watery lasagna with more concentrated flavors. This slow reduction creates a sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations to create your signature version:

• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and color
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, concentrated tomato flavor
• Mix in chopped spinach with the ricotta for extra nutrition
• Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat
• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms between the pasta sheets

“The beauty of lasagna lies in its versatility. Once you understand the basic principles of layering, you can create countless variations by swapping ingredients to suit your taste preferences and seasonal availability.”

Presentation Tips

To serve your lasagna with restaurant-quality presentation, use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. Wipe the knife clean between each slice for neat edges. Individual portions can be plated using a ring mold for an elegant touch, especially when entertaining guests. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.

If you enjoy hearty casseroles like this one, you might also love our Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole for another comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. Or for another pasta favorite, check out our Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe for something different but equally satisfying.

Nutritional Information for Quick Cozy Lasagna

This Quick Cozy Lasagna makes 12 generous servings, perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers throughout the week. Each serving contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	487
Carbohydrates	30g
Protein	31g
Total Fat	27g (13g saturated)
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

In addition to these macronutrients, this lasagna provides notable amounts of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the cheese, iron from the meat, and vitamins from the tomatoes and onions. It’s a balanced meal that provides sustained energy and satisfaction.

How to Store Quick Cozy Lasagna: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store leftover Quick Cozy Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as the ingredients continue to meld together. For best results, allow the lasagna to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent excess moisture from accumulating.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can freeze either the entire unbaked lasagna or individual portions of leftovers. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat your Quick Cozy Lasagna, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain moisture and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery. For smaller portions, the microwave works well just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals, checking frequently to avoid overheating.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best features of this recipe is how well it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the Quick Cozy Lasagna up to two days ahead and refrigerate it before baking. If cooking from chilled, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. For ultimate convenience, you can even assemble and freeze the entire uncooked lasagna, then thaw and bake when needed.

“Meal prep is made easy with this lasagna. Assembling it ahead of time not only saves precious minutes on busy weeknights but also allows the flavors to develop even more deeply for an exceptional taste experience.”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Cozy Lasagna

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