"Easy" Baked Lasagna
A comforting baked lasagna with rich cheese layers and savory sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering cheesy, hearty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat spaghetti sauce in a saucepan; set aside.
- Mix together Ricotta cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, and salt to make the cheese filling.
- Pour 3/4 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Arrange a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles) over the sauce.
- Spread 3/4 cup of sauce over the noodles.
- Add one-third of the cheese filling over the sauce.
- Add an additional 1/2 cup of sauce over the cheese filling.
- Repeat the layers of lasagna noodles, sauce, cheese filling, and sauce twice, gently pressing noodles into the cheese mixture below.
- Top with the final layer of lasagna noodles and the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake, covered with foil, at 375°F (190°C) for 50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow to stand about 10 minutes before cutting for easier handling.
- Serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, into the cheese filling. If you have leftover marinara sauce, it can be used in place of the spaghetti sauce. Feel free to substitute cottage cheese for Ricotta if preferred. To enhance the texture, try adding a layer of cooked ground beef or sausage between the cheese and noodle layers for a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian dressing on the salad complements the richness of the lasagna beautifully. For a unique twist, pair it with Italian Stuffed Squash or Cheese And Spinach Fettuccine for a delightful Italian feast. Don't forget to sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Easy" Baked Lasagna contains roughly 412 calories, with 30g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (270% of the Daily Value), iron (191% of the Daily Value), and potassium (96% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze baked lasagna?
Absolutely! Baked lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions.
What can I serve with lasagna?
For a well-rounded meal, serve baked lasagna with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf pairs well, too. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Lasagne Bolognese for a lovely twist on traditional flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).