Simple Lasagna
Simple Lasagna is a easy Italian recipe that serves 12. 230 calories per serving. Recipe by My Food and Family on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $14.85 total, $1.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean ground beef, 80/20 ratio)
- 24 oz Spaghetti Sauce (store‑bought marinara or meat sauce)
- 1 cup Water (plain tap water)
- 9 pieces Lasagna Noodles (uncooked regular noodles; can use no‑boil noodles)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat ricotta, container size)
- 1.25 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (full‑fat shredded mozzarella)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped flat‑leaf parsley)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (non‑stick spray for foil)
- 1 sheet Aluminum Foil (heavy‑duty foil, sprayed with cooking spray)
Instructions
Brown Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Make Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl combine the 15 oz ricotta, 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ cup chopped parsley, and 1 large egg. Mix until smooth and evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Add Sauce and Water
Return the drained beef to the skillet. Add the 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce and 1 cup water (shake the jar first). Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is well combined with the meat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Assemble Lasagna
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13×9‑inch baking dish. Lay 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top. Spoon one‑third of the ricotta filling over the noodles and spread evenly. Add another 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat the noodle‑filling‑sauce layers two more times, ending with a final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining 1 ¼ cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.
Time: PT10M
Bake Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the covered lasagna for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling, total baking time 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 350°F
Rest Before Serving
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 230
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Not vegan, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken, plant‑based mince
- Instead of Spaghetti Sauce: homemade tomato sauce, any pasta sauce
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: no‑boil lasagna noodles, broken noodles
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese (drained), ricotta alternative
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: mozzarella cheese, shredded, provolone
- Instead of Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp), cilantro (optional)
- Instead of Egg: flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Cooking Spray: lightly buttered foil, oil brush
- Instead of Aluminum Foil: parchment paper
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- 13x9‑inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven
- Cooking Spray Bottle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown ground beef until fully cooked
- Combine sauce with meat and water
- Assemble layers correctly
- Bake covered then uncovered for proper cheese browning
- Allow the lasagna to rest before cutting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh flat‑leaf parsley for a bright flavor contrast
- If using no‑boil noodles, reduce the added water to ½ cup
- Let the lasagna rest; this prevents it from falling apart when sliced
Troubleshooting
Noodles are still hard after baking
Cover tightly with foil and bake an additional 10‑15 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed
Sauce is watery
Simmer the sauce with meat for a few extra minutes before assembling to reduce excess liquid
Cheese does not melt or brown
Remove foil after the initial 45 minutes and bake uncovered longer, or increase oven temperature to 375°F for the final 5‑10 minutes
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store up to 3 days
Freezer: Wrap dish in foil and freezer‑safe bag; freeze up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the meat sauce a day ahead and refrigerate
- Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate; bake directly from the fridge (add 10‑15 minutes to baking time)
- Freeze the fully assembled, unbaked lasagna; bake from frozen, increasing bake time by 20‑30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Simple Lasagna in Italian cuisine?
Lasagna is a classic comfort dish from the Emilia‑Romagna region of Italy, traditionally layered with meat ragù, béchamel, and cheese. Over time it evolved into the tomato‑based version popular in the United States, becoming a staple for family gatherings and celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italian cuisine?
In Northern Italy, especially Bologna, lasagna is made with ragù alla Bolognese, béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano‑Reggiano. In Southern Italy, a simpler version uses tomato sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, similar to the recipe shown by My Food and Family.
How is Simple Lasagna traditionally served in Italy?
Traditional Italian lasagna is served hot, cut into generous squares, and often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. It is a main‑course dish enjoyed during holidays, family meals, and festive occasions.
What occasions or celebrations is Simple Lasagna traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Lasagna is commonly prepared for Sunday family lunches, Christmas Eve, Easter gatherings, and other festive celebrations where a hearty, crowd‑pleasing dish is desired.
What makes Simple Lasagna special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
This version simplifies the classic by using a single jar of spaghetti sauce and uncooked noodles, making it quick and accessible while still delivering the layered texture and rich flavors that define Italian‑American comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Simple Lasagna?
Common errors include under‑cooking the ground beef, using too much water which makes the sauce soupy, and not covering the dish long enough, which can leave the noodles dry. Follow the timing and covering steps exactly for the best result.
Why does this Simple Lasagna recipe use uncooked lasagna noodles instead of pre‑cooked noodles?
Uncooked noodles absorb moisture from the sauce while baking, creating a tender, cohesive layer without the extra step of boiling. This saves time and reduces the dish’s overall moisture content.
Can I make Simple Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding 10‑15 minutes to the baking time, or freeze for up to two months and bake from frozen, extending the bake by 20‑30 minutes.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Simple Lasagna?
The noodles should be fully softened, the cheese on top should be golden‑brown and bubbling, and the interior layers should be moist but not watery. After resting, the slices should hold their shape without sliding apart.
How do I know when Simple Lasagna is done cooking?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and a knife inserted into the center meets little resistance. An internal temperature of 165°F confirms safety.
What does the YouTube channel My Food and Family specialize in?
The YouTube channel My Food and Family focuses on family‑friendly, easy‑to‑follow recipes from a variety of cuisines, emphasizing comfort foods, quick meals, and step‑by‑step tutorials that are accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel My Food and Family's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
My Food and Family prioritizes simplicity and speed, using readily available pantry ingredients and minimal equipment, whereas many traditional Italian channels may emphasize authentic techniques, specialty ingredients, and longer preparation times.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
