Easy Lasagna Recipe (No Boil Noodles)

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Lasagna with no-boil noodles is a favorite for many families because it takes all the classic flavors of lasagna and simplifies the cooking process. Instead of spending extra time boiling noodles, this recipe allows you to assemble everything quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. You’ll enjoy the rich layers of beef, cheese, and sauce, all baked to perfection without the hassle of pre-cooking the noodles. It’s comforting, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Easy Lasagna

Making this easy lasagna is straightforward and fun. By following these simple steps, you’ll create a dish that looks impressive but does not require advanced cooking skills.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite sauce)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (or 4 tablespoons freshly snipped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• ¼ cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that your lasagna will cook evenly once assembled.

2. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spray it with cooking spray. This helps prevent the lasagna from sticking to the dish.

3. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage together. Stir them well to ensure they cook evenly. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and discard it.

4. Add Garlic and Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir it for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in your spaghetti sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This simple step enhances the flavors and makes everything richer.

5. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, the eggs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix them well until everything is combined into a smooth filling.

6. Assemble the Lasagna: Start by spreading ¾ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Now, place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread ⅓ of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a ¼ of the remaining sauce.

7. Layering: Repeat this layering process two more times:

   • 3 noodles
   • ⅓ of the cheese mixture
   • ¼ of the sauce
     After the third layer, place another 3 noodles on top, then finish with the remaining sauce and sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

8. Add Water: If your sauce is very thick, add ½ cup of water around the edges of the pan to ensure proper cooking. If your sauce is already quite runny, you might not need as much water.

9. Cover and Bake: Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray (to prevent sticking) and cover the baking dish. This will keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

10. Uncover and Finishing Touches: After 50 minutes, uncover the lasagna and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to become bubbly and lightly browned.

11. Cool Before Serving: After removing the lasagna from the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting it into pieces. This cooling time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna

When it’s time to serve your lasagna, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. You can serve it on its own or add a side salad to brighten the meal. Garlic bread also pairs perfectly with lasagna, adding a delightful crunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch of flavor, or garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color. This hearty meal is great for family dinners, gatherings, or even a potluck event.

How to Store Easy Lasagna

If you have leftovers, storing them correctly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact.

• In the Fridge: Allow the lasagna to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

• In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can remain in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Lasagna

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor in lasagna comes from the quality of the ingredients. Use good meat, a nice homemade or store-bought sauce, and fresh cheeses.

2. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to the meat sauce for added nutrition.

3. Make It Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

4. Add Flavor: For enhanced flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to your meat sauce.

5. Allow to Rest: Letting the lasagna sit before cutting into it will help keep the layers intact when serving.

Variation

This easy lasagna recipe can be adjusted in several ways to suit your preferences:

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use a marinara sauce for a flavorful base.

• Cheese Lover’s Lasagna: Add more varieties of cheese such as provolone, gouda, or even goat cheese into the cheese filling or as layers.

• White Sauce Lasagna: Instead of using tomato sauce, try using a creamy white sauce or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?

Yes! This recipe is designed specifically for no-boil noodles, which soak up moisture during baking, making them tender and perfect for lasagna.

How do I know when my lasagna is done baking?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, usually after about 60 minutes total baking time. You can also check if it’s heated through by inserting a knife in the center; it should be hot to the touch.

Can I make lasagna without meat?

Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version of lasagna by using vegetables instead of meat, or you can simply use cheese and your favorite sauce for a meatless option.

How do I reheat leftover lasagna?

To reheat leftovers, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in a 350ºF oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

This easy lasagna recipe is sure to become a cherished dish in your home. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table together, creating memories of enjoyment and happiness with each bite.

Easy Lasagna

Print Recipe

A simplified, no-boil lasagna filled with layers of beef, cheese, and sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Meat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 48 ounces spaghetti sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 12 lasagna noodles
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, then pour in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Mix ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. Assemble by spreading ¾ cup of meat sauce in the dish, placing 3 noodles, ⅓ of cheese mixture, and ¼ of sauce. Repeat two more times.
7. Finish with remaining noodles, sauce, and sprinkle with the last cup of mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Add ½ cup water around the edges if necessary.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
11. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread and a side salad. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: lasagna, easy lasagna, no-boil lasagna, Italian recipe, comfort food