Virginia’s Easy Lasagna Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, Virginia’s Easy Lasagna Recipe is the perfect dish to impress without the hassle.

This recipe combines layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella, all nestled between tender pasta sheets. What makes Virginia’s version stand out is its simplicity and accessibility — you don’t need to be a culinary expert to create this mouthwatering meal.

Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Follow along to discover how to make this delicious lasagna step-by-step, plus tips on how to customize it to your taste. If you love easy-to-follow recipes that deliver big on flavor, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.

No complicated sauces or hard-to-get cheeses here — just wholesome, classic components that come together beautifully.

Second, the recipe is designed to save you time. Instead of several hours of preparation, you can have your lasagna ready to bake in about 30 minutes.

Plus, it freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Finally, the flavors are perfectly balanced. The seasoned meat sauce is hearty but not overpowering, while the creamy cheese layers add a lovely richness.

Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a comforting dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan for cooking the meat sauce
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl for cheese filling
• Spoon or spatula for stirring and layering
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil for covering the lasagna while baking

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Cook the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Layer 3 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, making sure they cover the surface without overlapping too much.
8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta layer.
10. Repeat the layers: Add another 1/3 of the meat sauce, 3 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another 1 cup of mozzarella.
11. Finish with the last 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (tent it slightly to prevent cheese from sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Use no-boil noodles to save time and avoid the mess of boiling pasta. If you prefer traditional noodles, cook them according to package directions before assembling.

Variation: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for more hearty vegetarian ideas.

Cheese swap: Feel free to add ricotta blended with cottage cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives from Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for a dairy-free twist.

Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on brands and ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Virginia’s Easy Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad to balance the richness. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas are excellent choices.

For added texture, serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up extra sauce. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Virginia’s Easy Lasagna Recipe is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table without requiring hours of work. It is a perfect blend of flavors and textures with layers of savory sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is approachable and flexible enough to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Making this lasagna will not only fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma but also warm hearts around your dining table. Don’t forget to explore other delicious and easy recipes on the site like Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food and 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals to keep your meal planning exciting and wholesome.

Happy cooking!

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