Description
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, creamy cheese, and flavorful fillings. This Easy Homemade Lasagna Recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels, making it simple to create a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal from scratch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special celebrations, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 9 oz (250g) lasagna sheets (fresh or dried; no-boil sheets save time)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (use homemade or a high-quality store-bought option)
- 17 oz frozen spinach (approx. 2 cups once thawed, thawed and drained)
- 24 oz ricotta cheese
- 5 oz Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 9 oz mozzarella cheese (fresh or shredded)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparing the Spinach Mixture:
- Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly distributed.
- Assembling the Lasagna Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the lasagna as follows:
- First Layer: Lay lasagna sheets over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
- Second Layer: Spread a layer of the spinach-ricotta mixture over the sheets.
- Third Layer: Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by slices of mozzarella.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous topping of marinara, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Baking the Lasagna:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the layers hold together when served.
Notes
-
- Opt for fresh mozzarella if you want a creamier texture.
- If using dried lasagna sheets, briefly soak them in warm water to ensure they soften during baking.
- Baking and Resting Tips:
- Covering the dish with foil prevents the top from browning too quickly.
- Resting the lasagna after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian