If you’re craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional Italian lasagna but don’t want to wrestle with layers and a long prep time, this Lazy Lasagna Recipe is absolute magic. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that hits all the right notes with minimal effort—oven-ready pasta, rich marinara with perfectly seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and bubbly mozzarella combine into a wonderful one-dish wonder you’ll want on repeat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe brings warmth and big flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the simplicity of this Lazy Lasagna Recipe truly shines. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding depth and spice to providing gooey, melty textures and bright, tangy flavors. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish irresistible.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for browning your ground beef with a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and keeps the dish packed with satisfying protein.
- Garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic punch without the peeling and chopping hassle.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings vibrant herbaceous notes every spoonful needs.
- Marinara sauce: The saucy soul of the dish, rich and tangy to complement the meat and cheese beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious texture that softens and enriches the sauce.
- Oven-ready pasta: Using penne or rotini means no boiling beforehand, saving you time and effort.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden blanket of cheesy goodness on top.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled for a salty, nutty finish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Brown the Beef
First, set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly warmed for baking. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your dish from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Marinara
Stir in the marinara sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning right into the browned beef. This mixture simmers for 5 to 7 minutes, which lets the flavors meld and develop into a rich, fragrant sauce that hugs every bit of meat.
Step 3: Mix in Ricotta Cheese
This step is what makes the sauce truly dreamy—gently fold in the ricotta cheese until it melds smoothly into the sauce. Its creaminess transforms the texture, making every bite silky and indulgent without overwhelming the tomato’s brightness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce in the Baking Dish
Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the uncooked oven-ready pasta. Pour the meat and ricotta mixture over the pasta and stir gently to coat each piece evenly. No need to boil the pasta beforehand, which makes this a dream for quick weeknight meals.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Toppings
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by a generous dusting of grated parmesan. This combo bakes into a perfectly golden, bubbly crust that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Step 6: Bake Covered, Then Uncover for Final Browning
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This baking time allows the pasta to soften and absorb all those fantastic flavors. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to get that irresistible cheese bubbling and golden brown on the surface.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your lazy lasagna a good five minutes to settle. This resting time helps it firm up just enough to serve clean slices while keeping everything gooey and delicious.
How to Serve Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley really brings freshness and color, brightening the rich, cheesy layers. You could also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an extra luscious finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to sop up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli or green beans add vibrant texture and balance out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a stylish, personal touch. You can also layer it in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the colorful noodles, sauce, and cheese layers, making it almost too pretty to eat—almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lazy lasagna tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed tightly ensures the pasta stays tender and the cheese remains luscious without drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking. Portion the lasagna into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to prevent drying, about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and season generously to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
Do I have to use oven-ready pasta?
Oven-ready pasta is what keeps this recipe truly lazy, allowing you to skip boiling noodles. If you can’t find it, you can substitute regular pasta, but cook it until just al dente before combining.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before or after baking?
It’s best to freeze the lasagna after assembling but before baking for optimal texture. Just thaw it overnight before baking as directed.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great added to the sauce mixture before baking. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor.
What type of cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a great alternative for creaminess. You can also blend cream cheese with a touch of milk for a similar texture.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Lasagna Recipe truly transforms weeknight dinners into something special with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a dish that warmly invites comfort while fitting perfectly into busy lifestyles. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to classic!
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Lazy Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Lazy Lasagna is a quick and easy one-dish meal that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna with less fuss. This recipe combines browned ground beef, seasoned marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and oven-ready pasta baked together under a bubbly mozzarella and parmesan cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this comforting dish requires minimal prep and delivers delicious, hearty layers without the need for assembling sheets and multiple pans.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dairy
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces oven-ready pasta (penne or rotini)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the lasagna evenly.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Add Ricotta: Mix the ricotta cheese into the sauce and beef mixture until fully combined and creamy, creating the flavorful base for the pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add the uncooked oven-ready pasta and pour the meat and ricotta sauce over it. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, adding an appetizing finish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set, then serve warm and enjoy your lazy, delicious lasagna.
Notes
- Oven-ready pasta eliminates the need to pre-cook pasta, saving time.
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for best layering and even cooking.
- Covering with foil traps moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks properly in the oven.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
