The Easiest & Cheesiest Homemade Lasagna
- Brianne Thomas
- Mar 6, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Layer after layer of tender pasta covered with a delicious American-style Bolognese sauce and piles of ooey-gooey mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses.
Homemade lasagna is known for being a go-to freezer meal because it’s easy to prepare, freezes beautifully, and reheats perfectly. It’s always well-received, even by the pickiest of eaters. That’s why you’d be hard-pressed to find my freezer without one.
Beyond being a stellar freezer meal, lasagna is perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or having a casual family dinner on a busy weeknight, my homemade lasagna is a dish that's sure to impress! I like to serve it with a side of Simple Sauteed Green Beans and Sourdough Discard Cheddar Garlic Drop Biscuits.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lasagna Recipe
Meal Prep. This recipe makes two 9x13 pans and is perfect for meal preparation.
Freezer Friendly. Homemade lasagna freezes beautifully.
Customizable. Lasagna is easy to customize to your taste preferences. Try adding spicy
Helpful Tips
Cover. Make sure the noodles are completely covered in sauce. This will help the noodles to cook and not be dry and crispy.
Avoid. Skip the no-boil lasagna noodles and use the regular dry ones. I find that the no-boil noodles become overcooked and mushy during the baking process. Just stick to the original noodles.
Rest. Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This will help the slices keep their shape.
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Want More Italian-inspired Recipes? Try these:
Yield: Makes Two 9x13 pans, 12 servings each
Ingredients
16 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, uncooked
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 yellow or white onions, finely chopped
2 green bell peppers, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons infused oil
48 ounces spaghetti sauce
2 Tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground chili powder
Cheese Layer
16 ounces cottage cheese
8 ounces freshly grated parmesan cheese, reserve 4 ounces for final layer
8 ounces freshly grated mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
16 ounces sliced provolone cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and completely cooked through. Remove cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Add oil to pan and add in onions and peppers. Sauté until tender, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Be sure to scrape up any of the ground beef bits stuck in the pan. There is a ton of flavor there!
Add garlic to onions and peppers and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant.
Slowly add in spaghetti sauce. Gently stir to combine with meat and vegetables.
Add in seasonings. Stir to combine and simmer on low for approximately 30 minutes.
While sauce is simmering, prepare cheese mixture.
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and eggs.
Gently mix to thoroughly combine.
Lightly grease two 9x13 baking pans with non-stick spray.
To the bottom of each baking dish, evenly distribute one cup of sauce.
Place uncooked lasagna noodles to fit bottom of the dish. You may have to break a couple so that they fit properly.
Add another one cup of sauce and spread evenly over the noodles.
Using a quarter-cup measuring cup, scoop cheese mixture and place six mounds on top of sauce and noodles.
Tear or cut 3 provolone cheese slices in half add to each cheese mound and press down slightly.
Continue layering noodles, sauce, and cheeses until you reach the top of the baking dish.
Bake covered with a “tinfoil tent” for approximately 40 minutes.
Remove aluminum foil and add additional parmesan cheese. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is lightly browned and completely melted.
Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
Make Ahead
Prepared and assembled lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance. When ready, bake as directed.
How to Store The Easiest and Cheesiest Homemade Lasagna
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze The Easiest and Cheesiest Homemade Lasagna
Homemade lasagna can be frozen before or after baking. Store the lasagna in a freezer-safe container with a snap-on lid or cover tightly with aluminum foil and/or plastic wrap. Use within 3 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Homemade Lasagna
Allow the lasagna to thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Reheat previously baked lasagna in a preheated 350-degree oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until heated through.
If baking a lasagna that has not been previously baked, bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 45-50 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
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