Description
This Easy Pioneer Woman Classic Lasagna is a rich and hearty dinner perfect for family meals, meal prepping, or a cozy weekend indulgence. Layers of meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together in the most comforting way. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe, dinner ideas, or just new food ideas to spice up the week—this quick, satisfying, and classic dish delivers on all fronts. It’s a crowd-pleaser, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for easy dinners or cozy make-ahead meals!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until fully cooked. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until smooth. Set aside.
4. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, followed by half the ricotta mixture, more sauce, and a handful of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining cheese on top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For firmer layers, let your lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
You can prepare the full dish a day in advance and bake it just before serving for the best flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and ground turkey for beef.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: lasagna, comfort food, pasta bake, easy dinner recipe