Description
This Lazy Day Lasagna recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian classic perfect for family dinners. Using oven-ready no-boil noodles and a rich combination of ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, it simplifies the traditional lasagna-making process without sacrificing taste. Ready in just over an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (¾ cup for mixture, 1 cup for topping)
- 12 oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Meat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbled and onions are soft. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Make Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add brown sugar, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and tomato paste to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Pour in the two cans of tomato sauce and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and deepen flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine the eggs, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl. Blend together until evenly mixed. This will create a creamy and flavorful cheese layer for the lasagna.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Arrange 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Add another 4 noodles, then spread half of the remaining meat sauce on top. Layer the last 4 noodles. Finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top noodles, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with greased aluminum foil to prevent sticking and moisture loss. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the lasagna set for easier slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Using oven-ready no-boil noodles saves time and eliminates the need for pre-cooking noodles.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and vegetables and use a meatless tomato sauce.
- Cover the dish tightly with greased foil to prevent cheese from sticking to the foil during baking.
