1-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.

2-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.

3-Make the Meat 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.

4-Make the Meat Sauce: 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.

5-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.

6-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.

7-Assemble the Lasagna: 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.

8-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.

9-Bake to Perfection: 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!