This simplified lasagna recipe makes preparing a classic comfort meal easier than ever, thanks to the use of time-saving no-boil noodles. By layering a robust, savory meat sauce with a creamy cheese blend, you achieve a restaurant-quality result that is perfect for feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight. This method ensures consistent layers of flavor without the need for pre-cooking pasta sheets, resulting in a perfectly tender casserole every time.

List of ingredients

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 lb ground seasoned plant-based meat alternative
1 medium onion (diced)
Olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp black pepper (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dry Italian seasoning
1 medium bay leaf
2 24 oz jars pasta sauce
1 8 oz Italian seasoned tomato sauce
2 Tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1 12 oz box no boil lasagna noodles
2 12 oz containers ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
4 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese or Italian Blend of Cheese (divided)

step-by-step instructions

Step: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step: On the stove top in a deep pot over medium-high heat cook beef, plant-based meat alternative and onion in a couple of drizzles of olive oil until browned. Season with salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Drain excess fat from pot.
Step: To the pot add garlic, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
Step: Add pasta sauce, tomato sauce and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes then remove from the heat. Remove bay leaf from the sauce.
Step: In a small mixing bowl mix together ricotta, eggs, 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan, and remaining 1 tsp dry Italian seasoning. Add 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Step: Ladle 1/2 cup sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange one layer of lasagna noodles over sauce.
Step: Spread noodles with 1/3 of the ricotta. Cover with 1/3 meat sauce then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Step: Repeat layers, ending with noodles, meat sauce and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
Step: Cover with aluminum foil spritzed with cooking spray. Bake covered for 1 hour.
Step: Uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the noodles are fork tender.
Step: Let stand on counter for 10 minutes then cut and serve.

Practical Preparation Strategies

Enhancing the Depth of Flavor

To deepen the flavor of your sauce, allow the meat to caramelize slightly before adding the onions. This creates a fond at the bottom of the pot that adds a rich, toasted taste once deglazed with the tomato liquids. If you have extra time, simmering the sauce for an additional 20 minutes beyond the recipe requirement can also help meld the herbs more effectively.

Selecting the Right Cheese Blend

While standard mozzarella is excellent, using a custom blend of low-moisture mozzarella, provolone, and fontina can significantly improve the texture of the finished dish. Low-moisture cheeses melt smoothly without releasing too much water, which prevents the casserole from becoming soupy during the baking process. Always shred your own cheese from a block if possible, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can hinder the melting process.

Customization and Adaptations

Integrating Fresh Garden Vegetables

You can easily increase the nutritional profile of this dish by folding finely chopped sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the ricotta mixture. Ensure that you squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the vegetables before adding them, as excess moisture can affect the final texture of the lasagna. Finely grated carrots can also be added to the meat sauce to provide a hint of natural sweetness that complements the tomatoes.

Exploring Herb Varieties

While the recipe calls for dried Italian seasoning, you can customize the herb profile by adding a pinch of dried oregano or fennel seeds to the meat while it browns. For a fresher taste, stir in a handful of finely chopped parsley along with the basil right before you begin the assembly. If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce can provide a gentle, warming finish without overpowering the delicate ricotta.

Storage and Efficiency Advice

Maximizing Reheating Success

When reheating individual portions, add a tiny splash of water to the container before covering it. This creates a gentle steam in the microwave that prevents the noodles from drying out or becoming tough. If using an oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then uncover for the final 5 minutes to restore the crispy edges of the cheese layer.

Managing Freezer Inventories

This dish is an excellent candidate for long-term storage in the freezer, provided it is cooled completely before wrapping. Wrap the container in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain the integrity of the sauce. When you are ready to enjoy it, moving the dish to the refrigerator 24 hours in advance allows for a more even thawing process, which results in better texture after baking.

Common Questions Addressed

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery?

Watery lasagna is usually caused by excess liquid in the sauce or high-moisture cheese. Ensure that you properly drain the fat from the meat and simmer the sauce until it reaches a thick, coats-the-spoon consistency. Additionally, using low-moisture mozzarella helps keep the layers distinct and firm.

Can I assemble this dish entirely the night before?

Yes, assembling the lasagna in advance is a fantastic way to save time. Simply prepare the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven to take the chill off, and add 5 to 10 minutes to the total covered baking time.

What is the best way to slice the lasagna cleanly?

The most important step for clean slices is the resting period. Allowing the dish to sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven allows the cheeses to set and the layers to stabilize. Using a sharp, thin-bladed knife and wiping the blade clean between each cut will also help ensure that your portions look neat and uniform when plated.

Easy Cheesy Lasagna

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Author: alyssabennett
Total Time: 110 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

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Description

An easy-to-prepare lasagna recipe utilizing no-boil noodles and a rich, hearty meat sauce layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 lb ground seasoned plant-based meat alternative
1 medium onion (diced)
Olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp black pepper (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dry Italian seasoning
1 medium bay leaf
2 24 oz jars pasta sauce
1 8 oz Italian seasoned tomato sauce
2 Tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
1 12 oz box no boil lasagna noodles
2 12 oz containers ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
4 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese or Italian Blend of Cheese (divided)

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Instructions

Step: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step: On the stove top in a deep pot over medium-high heat cook beef, plant-based meat alternative and onion in a couple of drizzles of olive oil until browned. Season with salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Drain excess fat from pot.
Step: To the pot add garlic, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute.
Step: Add pasta sauce, tomato sauce and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes then remove from the heat. Remove bay leaf from the sauce.
Step: In a small mixing bowl mix together ricotta, eggs, 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan, and remaining 1 tsp dry Italian seasoning. Add 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Step: Ladle 1/2 cup sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange one layer of lasagna noodles over sauce.
Step: Spread noodles with 1/3 of the ricotta. Cover with 1/3 meat sauce then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Step: Repeat layers, ending with noodles, meat sauce and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
Step: Cover with aluminum foil spritzed with cooking spray. Bake covered for 1 hour.
Step: Uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the noodles are fork tender.
Step: Let stand on counter for 10 minutes then cut and serve.

Notes

This lasagna freezes well. Bake, cool completely, then cut into portions. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 558 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 1340 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg