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

Scale

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)

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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.