Imagine the aroma of a warm, cheesy, and comforting lasagna filling your kitchen. It’s a symphony of savory flavors, with layers of rich sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese, all melting together in perfect harmony. A dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, promising a truly satisfying meal.
For me, lasagna always brings back memories of Sunday family dinners, filled with laughter and shared stories. There’s just something special about gathering around a table, knowing a hearty, home-cooked meal is about to be served. Get ready to experience that same warmth and joy with this incredibly delicious lasagna, ready in under an hour!
- Effortlessly create a deeply satisfying lasagna with simple, streamlined steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Experience a delightful blend of savory sauce, tender pasta, and rich cheese, creating a comforting flavor profile.
- Present an inviting and visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress family and friends with its golden, bubbly top.
- Easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein for a versatile and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients for Heavenly Homemade Lasagna in Just 45 Minutes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lasagna Noodles Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to save time and skip the pre-boiling step.
- Ground Beef Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize grease and ensure a healthier dish.
- Italian Sausage (Turkey or Chicken) Adds a flavorful kick to the meat sauce; ensure it is removed from its casings before cooking.
- Onion Diced onion forms the base of the sauce, providing a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a pungent, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes The base of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor; choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Tomato Paste Adds depth and intensifies the tomato flavor of the sauce.
- Dried Oregano A classic Italian herb that contributes a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce.
- Dried Basil Another essential Italian herb, offering a slightly sweet and peppery note.
- Salt and Black Pepper Season to taste, enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
- Ricotta Cheese Provides a creamy, slightly tangy layer; choose whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor.
- Egg Binds the ricotta cheese mixture, helping it hold its shape during baking.
- Parmesan Cheese Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to both the ricotta mixture and the top of the lasagna.
- Mozzarella Cheese Shredded mozzarella creates a melty, gooey layer that is essential for a classic lasagna.
- Fresh Parsley Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Heavenly Homemade Lasagna in Just 45 Minutes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful layer in your lasagna.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta cheese mixture, another third of the mozzarella cheese, and remaining meat sauce. Top with a final layer of noodles and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm, savoring each delicious layer of cheesy, saucy goodness. This Heavenly Homemade Lasagna is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy every bite!
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Conclusion for Heavenly Homemade Lasagna in Just 45 Minutes :
This Heavenly Homemade Lasagna, ready in just 45 minutes, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and quick assembly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Remember to drain your meat well and don’t over-layer the sauce to avoid sogginess. Whether you make it ahead, freeze it for later, or customize the cheese, this lasagna is a versatile and delicious dish. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying, and utterly delightful dinner that will become a family favorite.
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Heavenly Homemade Lasagna in Just 45 Minutes
Delicious heavenly homemade lasagna in just 45 minutes recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 15 lasagna noodles (oven-ready, no-boil)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, drain off any excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well.
- Step 3: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Step 4: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: meat sauce, 5 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Top with a final layer of meat sauce and the remaining 5 noodles.
- Step 5: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
- Step 6: Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes after baking before serving.
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave or a conventional oven until heated through.
- Chef's secret: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat sauce for a subtle kick!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs :
Can I make this Heavenly Homemade Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This lasagna is fantastic for meal prepping. Assemble it completely, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Think of it as letting the flavors meld and become even more glorious overnight. A little planning ahead can mean a stress-free and delicious dinner later. This simple recipe is your culinary superhero on busy weekdays!
What’s the secret to avoiding watery Heavenly Homemade Lasagna?
Nobody likes a soggy lasagna! The key is to thoroughly drain your cooked ground beef or turkey. Also, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from your ricotta cheese. Letting the meat sauce simmer uncovered for a while also helps to reduce the liquid. Resist the urge to overdo the sauce layers. Remember, we’re aiming for delicious, not a swimming pool of tomato juice! With these tips, you’ll achieve lasagna perfection every time.
Can I freeze my Quick Lasagna for later?
You bet! This easy lasagna freezes beautifully. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Or, bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners. This is an ideal way to have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in this quick lasagna recipe?
If you’re not a ricotta fan or can’t find it, try using cottage cheese. Just make sure to drain it well. You can also use a plant-based ricotta alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option. Another tasty option is a béchamel sauce, which will add a creamy richness to your lasagna. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences! The goal is to create a Heavenly Homemade Lasagna that you and your family will adore.
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