Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna

This five ingredient lasagna has become my ultimate weeknight savior. It delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna without the hours of prep, making it perfect for when you need a hearty family meal in a hurry.

I first threw this together on a chaotic Tuesday night when I had forgotten to plan dinner. It was such a massive hit with everyone that it immediately earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect here for rich flavor that isn't overly greasy.
• Onion: A simple yellow onion provides the sweet, aromatic foundation for the sauce. Look for one that feels firm and heavy for its size.
• Traditional spaghetti sauce: Your favorite jarred sauce is the key to making this so easy. A good quality marinara or meat flavored sauce works beautifully.
• Mozzarella cheese: For the best melty, gooey result, I always buy a block of low moisture mozzarella and shred it myself. It makes a world of difference.
• Oven ready lasagna noodles: These noodles are a true game changer, as they cook right in the sauce, eliminating the need to boil them first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Base:

In a large frying pan or skillet over medium high heat, crumble the ground beef and add the diced onion. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces, until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pan.

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour the entire jar of spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and onion. Stir everything together until it's well combined. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the sauce gently simmer for a few minutes until it is heated all the way through. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Start by spreading about one cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. This initial layer is important because it prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking to the pan and helps them cook properly. Next, arrange four of the oven ready lasagna noodles on top of the sauce in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much. Spoon about half of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Finish the Layers:

Place the final four noodles over the cheese and sauce layer, arranging them tightly together. Pour the rest of your meat sauce over the top and spread it to cover the noodles completely. Finish by scattering the remaining mozzarella cheese all the way to the edges of the dish. This ensures every single slice will have a wonderfully cheesy, golden brown crust.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, which cooks the noodles perfectly. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes. This final uncovered baking time is what gives the cheese on top that irresistible bubbly, golden brown finish.

Let It Rest:

This might be the hardest step, but it's essential. Let the lasagna rest on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before you slice into it. This waiting period allows the layers to set, so you can cut clean, beautiful squares that don't fall apart on the plate.

Pin it

My favorite ingredient here is, without a doubt, the mozzarella cheese. I have a vivid memory of my dad showing me how to shred a block of cheese for our family's lasagna night, telling me it was the secret to the perfect "cheese pull." He was right, and now I can't make it any other way.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover lasagna is one of life's simple pleasures. To store it, let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply bake slices in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave for a quicker option.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant based crumble for a vegetarian version. For a creamier lasagna, add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg, a pinch of salt, and some dried parsley between the sauce and mozzarella layers.

Perfect Serving Suggestions

While this lasagna is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of warm garlic bread is also a must have in my house for sopping up every last bit of the delicious meat sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of cheese in this lasagna?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.

→ What kind of ground meat works best in this lasagna?

Ground beef is a popular choice, but you can also use ground turkey, ground sausage, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.

→ Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

→ How do I prevent the lasagna from drying out during baking?

Covering the lasagna with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking helps to trap moisture and prevent it from drying out. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese.

→ What are some good side dishes to serve with lasagna?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables are all excellent choices to complement the richness of the lasagna.

→ Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Yes! Feel free to add a layer of sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.