Evan'S Extra Easy Lasagna
Evan's Extra Easy Lasagna features layers of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato-basil sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, making it a comforting family favorite perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir cooked and drained ground beef with tomato-basil sauce.
- Spread one-third of the meat sauce in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta or cottage cheese over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of cheese.
- Slowly pour 1/2 cup hot water around the inside edge of the baking pan.
- Cover the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil or a lid.
- Bake at 375°F for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the ground beef. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of tomato-basil sauce. You can also substitute the ricotta or cottage cheese with a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a creamier texture. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Evan's Extra Easy Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Beef By Mavis for a hearty family dinner. For something lighter, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months; just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Evan'S Extra Easy Lasagna contains roughly 437 calories, with 29g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value) and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, ensure you spread the noodles out evenly as you layer them. You can also briefly soak the uncooked noodles in hot water before adding them to the lasagna. This will make them more pliable and help them cook evenly.
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).