Homemade lasagna is an easy comforting dish that is an easy crowd-pleaser! Warm creamy, cheesy layers between layers of noodles and meaty sauce makes this dish delicious, filling and familiar.

My family loves Italian and anything pasta! But not all leftovers are created equal. Lasagna is a dish that tastes just as good warmed up the next day. This recipe does not require you to pre-cook the noodles making it that much simpler to get supper on the table.

Ingredients for Healthy Harvest Easy Lasagna

Meat: Using sausage will give some deep Italian flavors, but hamburger is delicious as well, if that is what you have on hand.

Marinara Sauce: For ease, I buy a jar of Organic Marinara sauce from Aldi, but if you are in a pinch and don’t have this on hand it can be made from tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes and seasonings!

Ricotta/Cottage Cheese: Lasagna lovers have a strong opinion about texture and consistency of the creamy cheese filling, so use your preference! If you’re desiring to add a little more protein to this dish, I opt for cottage cheese, but I love the texture that ricotta brings to the table.

Mozzerella/Parmesan Cheese: A mild, soft cheese like Mozzarella melts to perfection in Italian dishes, while parmesan adds a nice punch of flavor.

Eggs: A binding agent for the creamy layers, eggs will also add good fats and nutrients to this dish.

Lasagna noodles: “Oven Ready” lasagna noodles are a little thinner and are precooked before drying to allow them to absorb liquid from sauces while baking. These are best to use, but I have also used regular lasagna noodles, which tend to be a little thicker, and had good results!

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper! Just the basics.

How to make Healthy Harvest Easy Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a deep skillet over medium heat, brown meat. Water and sauce will be added to this once brown, so make sure your pan can accommodate 4.5-5 cups of liquid.
Once meat is brown, drain off grease, then add marinara sauce and water.
Simmer about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together ricotta/cottage cheese, half of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt and pepper.
Pour about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of 9×13 pan, then layer of noodles, layer of the cheese mixture, more sauce then sprinkling of mozzarella cheese (optional). Repeat 2 more times.
Sprinkle the other half of mozzarella on top of the last layer along with Italian seasoning and oregano.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes.

Why you will love this recipe

Rich, comforting flavor. Layers of savory sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese come together for a deeply satisfying, homemade taste.
Easy to make and worth the effort. Simple steps, familiar ingredients make this recipe approachable and doable.
Perfect for sharing and leftovers. This lasagna is ideal for family dinners, gatherings or sharing! Its filling and crowd-pleasing and is a good choice to be taken to a new-mom, potluck, or family get together.

FAQ

How many lasagna noodles to I need to make this recipe?
- At least 9 noodles. 11 noodles if you want to fill your 9×13 by adding a short row or end layer.
Do I need to cook my lasagna noodles ahead of time?
- No! Its best to get “oven ready” lasagna noodles, but regular ones can be used too, the flavor throughout the noodles just might not be as deep.
Should I cover my lasagna while baking?
- Yes, this prevents it from getting dried out. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes of making to allow the top to brown a little.
What is the correct order for layering lasagna ingredients?
- Sauce (on the bottom of the pan), noodles, cheese mixture, sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Repeat 2 more times.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble, cool, cover and place in the fridge to be baked within 24hrs.

Add-ins

A great way to sneak veggies in to this dish is by chopping spinach or shredded zucchini and adding them to the sauce while it is simmering. Your kids will never know!

Tips for Success when making Healthy Harvest Easy Lasagna

Start with sauce on the bottom. A thin layer of sauce prevents sticking and keeps noodles tender.
Use enough sauce. Lasagna should be moist, not dry—especially if using oven-ready noodles.
Season every layer. Lightly season the sauce, cheese mixture, and fillings so the flavor is balanced throughout.
Cover while baking. Cover with foil for most of the bake time to keep it from drying out, then uncover to brown the cheese.
Let it rest before cutting. Rest for 10–15 minutes after baking so the layers set and slices come out clean.
Use quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
Make it ahead if needed. Lasagna often tastes even better when assembled ahead and baked later.

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