Craving a mouthwatering comfort food that'll make your family beg for seconds? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with this Hamburger Cheese Bake Easy Lasagna! This isn't your traditional complicated lasagna recipe - it's a quick, delicious twist that combines all the cheesy, meaty goodness you love with minimal prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone at the table asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Add chopped onions and cook until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef and onion mixture. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them according to package instructions until al dente. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
- Begin layering the lasagna in the prepared baking dish: Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom, then add a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with another layer of noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef (80/20 works best) to ensure flavor without excess grease. Drain thoroughly after cooking to prevent a soggy lasagna.
- Cheese Pro Tips: - Let ricotta come to room temperature for easier mixing - Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting quality - Don't skip the Parmesan - it adds a crucial depth of flavor
- Layering Secrets: - Always start with a thin sauce layer on the bottom to prevent sticking - Press down gently between layers to remove air pockets - Ensure even distribution of ingredients for consistent flavor in every bite
- Baking Hacks: - Cover with foil to prevent top from burning - Let it rest after baking - this helps layers set and makes cutting easier - If you like a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after removing the foil
- Make-Ahead Magic: This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add 10-15 minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.
- Leftover Love: This dish reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
