Amazing Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake

Ugh, weeknights. Between work, school, and just life happening, finding the energy to cook a *real* meal can feel impossible, right? But then comes that craving for something warm, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. That’s where my absolutely favorite Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella comes in clutch! It’s basically a hug in a dish, but I promise it’s way simpler than you think. I’ve spent ages tweaking this so it’s totally doable even when you’re running on fumes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. Here’s why it’ll become your go-to:

• Super Simple Assembly: Forget fussy techniques. Layering is all it takes!
• Weeknight Friendly: It’s way faster than traditional lasagna, making busy nights manageable.
• Family Favorite: Everyone from picky eaters to grown-ups devours this cheesy goodness.
• Pure Comfort: That rich meat sauce and gooey mozzarella? Absolute bliss!

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella

Alright, let’s get down to business and round up everything you need for this dreamy lasagna bake. Trust me, having it all ready makes the assembly part a breeze!

• 2 pounds Ground Beef – opt for something with a little fat for extra flavor!
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped – this is where a lot of the savory base comes from.
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better, obviously.
• 1 Carrot, finely grated or chopped – a little secret from me for sweetness and sneaky veggies!
• 2 cups Tomato Sauce – the backbone of our delicious sauce.
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes, 14.5 oz – adds texture and a little zing.
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste – for that deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
• 1 cup Water – helps everything simmer together perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons Sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes, don’t skip it!
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano – classic Italian herby goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Salt – adjust to your taste, but start here.
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper – freshly ground is best if you have it!
• 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese – makes the creamy layers so dreamy.
• 1 Egg, beaten – helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
• 14 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, sliced or shredded – for that ultimate gooey, cheesy pull.
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded – adds a salty, nutty punch.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped – for fresh flavor in the cheese mix.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped – another burst of fresh flavor!
• ½ teaspoon Salt – for the ricotta filling.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper – just a pinch for the ricotta filling.
• 8 ounces Dry Lasagna Sheets – I usually go for the no-boil kind to save time, but regular works too!

How to Prepare Your Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella

Okay, now for the fun part – putting it all together! Don’t worry, this is where the ‘easy’ really shines through. We’re going to make a super yummy sauce, whip up a simple cheesy layer, and then stack it all up. It’s way less intimidating than I used to think!

Making the Savory Meat Sauce

First things first, let’s get that amazing sauce going. Grab a big skillet and sauté your chopped onion and carrot until they’re nice and soft – about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and the ground beef. Cook it all up, breaking up the meat, until it’s all nicely browned. Drain off any extra grease. Now, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir in the sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, and remember, you can find tons of other ground beef recipes if you want to switch things up sometimes! Bring it to a simmer, pop a lid on, and let it happily bubble away for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor!

Crafting the Creamy Ricotta Layer

While your sauce is doing its thing, let’s whip up the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, just dump in the ricotta cheese, the beaten egg (this helps it all stick together!), and that grated Parmesan. Stir in your fresh parsley and basil, plus a little salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined and looks perfectly creamy and herbaceous. Easy peasy!

Assembling Your Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake

Alright, time to build this masterpiece! First, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease so nothing sticks. Spoon about a third of your gorgeous meat sauce into the bottom – this is layer one! Next, lay down a single layer of your lasagna sheets right on top of the sauce. Don’t overlap them too much. Now, spoon half of that creamy ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle on some of that shredded mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of pasta sheets, then another third of the bolognese sauce, and then the remaining ricotta mixture. Top that with more mozzarella. Finally, lay down your last layer of pasta, pour over the rest of the savory meat sauce, and finish it all off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Wow, look at that!

Baking to Golden Perfection

Now for the magic in the oven! Cover your assembled lasagna tightly with foil. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (that’s 190°C) and bake for 15 minutes. This steams everything together beautifully. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until that mozzarella on top is melted, bubbly, and looks absolutely gorgeous. For an extra crispy, golden-brown topping, you can even pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the very end – just watch it like a hawk so it doesn’t burn!

Tips for the Best Lasagna Bake

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but a few little tricks can really take this Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella from great to absolutely unforgettable. Think of these as my little kitchen secrets!

• Quality Matters: Use good quality ground beef – a little fat makes the sauce so much richer. And don’t skimp on the mozzarella; that gooey factor is key!
• Sauce is King: Let that sauce simmer! The flavors really meld and deepen the longer it goes, creating a more robust base for your lasagna.
• Even Layers are Essential: Try to spread everything out as evenly as possible. This means no giant globs of ricotta in one spot and no dry pasta edges. It makes for a more consistent bite every time.
• Resting is Best: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set up. This makes cutting and serving so much neater, and you won’t have a soupy mess.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes you need to get a little creative in the kitchen, right? Don’t stress if you don’t have *exactly* what’s listed for this Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella. For the ground beef, I’ve used both 80/20 and 90/10, and both work great – just drain off any extra grease from the fattier kind. If you’re not a beef fan, ground turkey or even a mix of ground pork and beef totally works! And for the cheese? While mozzarella is non-negotiable for that ooey-gooey factor, feel free to use part-skim or whole milk, shredded or sliced. Provolone lovers, you could even toss some of that in with the mozzarella for a little extra kick!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella is an absolute dream for meal prep! You can totally assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed, maybe adding an extra 10 minutes or so. Leftovers? They’re amazing!

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or bake a larger portion in a 350°F oven until heated through. It’s still totally delicious the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake

Got questions about whipping up this Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, just swap out the ground beef for 2-3 cups of sautéed mushrooms, crumbled firm tofu, or a plant-based ground alternative. The rest of the recipe stays pretty much the same, and it’s still super delicious!

What kind of pasta sheets should I use?

I’m all about making things easy, so I usually use no-boil lasagna sheets when I make this. They absorb moisture from the sauce and bake up perfectly without needing to be pre-cooked. If you prefer regular lasagna noodles, just boil them according to package directions until al dente before layering.

How long does it take to bake?

The total baking time is usually around 25-30 minutes: 15 minutes covered with foil and then another 10-15 minutes uncovered. Make sure to keep an eye on it, especially if you decide to broil it at the end for that extra crispy top!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella is definitely the star for that classic gooey pull, but feel free to play around! A mix of mozzarella and provolone is fantastic, or you could even add a sprinkle of Monterey Jack. Just make sure you still have plenty of mozzarella for that signature stretch!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Here’s a ballpark of what you’re looking at, per serving of this delicious Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates and can totally change based on the brands you use and exact portion sizes!

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Sugar: 15g

Share Your Culinary Creations!

Have you made this Easy Weeknight Lasagna Bake with Mozzarella yet? I would LOVE to hear what you think! Did you try any fun substitutions? Leave a comment below and tell me all about your experience, or even better, share your masterpiece on social media and tag me! Your feedback makes my day!

By Emilia

Hi, I’m EMILIA, the founder of MeltItClean.com – your digital space for natural weight loss, real wellness habits, and clean-living inspiration that actually fits your life. After years of trial and error, I created Melt It Clean to share how small, intentional changes can lead to powerful, lasting transformation. It’s all about supporting your body with nourishing, real food, like this fuss-free lasagna, so you can feel your absolute best without the struggle. Find more easy, healthy recipes and real wellness tips!

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