Deliciously Savory Easy Cheesy Lasagna Recipe
Picture this: it’s a Friday night and you have friends coming over for dinner. You want to cook something that will impress them without requiring too much effort. That’s where my Easy Cheesy Lasagna comes in.
This recipe is the answer to all your lasagna dilemmas. Unlike regular lasagna, you don’t have to boil the noodles beforehand, saving you precious time and energy. But just because it’s easier doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious. In fact, with the addition of three cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan), this lasagna is the definition of cheesy goodness that will make any carb lover weak in the knees.
Plus, it’s customizable. If you’re a vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with your favorite veggies or opt for a meatless lasagna altogether. And if you’re not a fan of ricotta cheese, swap it out for cottage cheese instead.
So let me show you how to create an indulgent and easy cheesy lasagna that will have your guests asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty Italian dish, this Easy Cheesy Lasagna (No Boil) Recipe is sure to hit the spot! Here’s why you’ll love it:
First of all, who has time to boil lasagna noodles? Not me! That’s why this recipe is amazing – it uses oven-ready lasagna noodles, so you can skip that tedious and messy step altogether. Plus, by not boiling the noodles, they stay perfectly al dente and don’t get mushy.
But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it lacks flavor. This lasagna is loaded with a rich meat sauce made from a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, plus plenty of garlic and onion for extra depth. And of course, what’s a lasagna without layers upon layers of ooey-gooey cheese? We’ve got Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, and cottage cheese in there for maximum cheesiness.
But here’s the best part: you can customize this recipe to your liking. Want to make it meatless? Skip the ground beef and sausage and add more veggies. Prefer spicy sausage? Go for it! Like your lasagna on the saucier side? Add more spaghetti sauce. The possibilities are endless.
And if you’re planning on having guests over, this recipe can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for a stress-free meal. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you will need to make this easy cheesy lasagna:
- Lasagna noodles: You can use regular or oven-ready lasagna noodles. If you use regular lasagna noodles, you will need to boil them before layering them in the pan.
- Ground beef: I recommend using 85% lean ground beef for this recipe.
- Italian sausage: Use mild or hot Italian sausage, whatever your preference is. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you wish to make it healthier.
- Garlic clove: Adds a delicious subtle garlic flavor to the meat sauce.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat sauce.
- Water: To thin out the pasta sauce and help cook the noodles evenly.
- Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand of pasta sauce or make homemade pasta sauce by following my recipe guide here.
- Ricotta cheese/Cottage cheese: Use fresh ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, whichever you prefer.
- Mozzarella cheese/parmesan cheese: Shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan Cheese add gooey deliciousness to the lasagna!
- Egg: Helps bind the cheesy filling together.
- Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and flavor to the cheesy filling.
Note: You can add any other veggies of your choice like finely chopped spinach or zucchini to a meatless lasagne recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these easy steps to make your own cheesy lasagna without even boiling the noodles!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
- 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 12 oz. for cottage cheese and/or ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 box of oven-ready lasagna noodles
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage with onion and garlic.
- Add spaghetti sauce and spices; let simmer.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Pour water into a large baking dish until it is about one inch deep.
- Spread about one cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of this dish.
- Place the lasagna noodles on top of the sauce without boiling them first.
- Spread one cup of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese mixture (mozzarella and parmesan).
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded cheese mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes until bubbly and hot.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow cheese to get golden on top.
There you have it! A simple but mouthwatering recipe for easy cheesy lasagna that will impress your guests and have them coming back for more!
Substitutions and Variations
Easy Cheesy Lasagna is a recipe that suits many tastes and occasions, and you can tailor it to your liking with a few easy tweaks. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to make this recipe more personalized:
– Meatless lasagna: If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and replace them with vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. For more protein, add tofu or meat replacement crumbles.
– Homemade lasagna noodles: Making your own pasta from scratch is an excellent way to elevate this dish. Try this homemade lasagna noodle recipe from Food Network.
– Three cheese lasagna: Combine shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese for a three-cheese flavor that will take this dish to the next level.
– Cottage cheese substitution: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, substitute it with cottage cheese that’s been drained using a fine mesh strainer to eliminate excess water.
– Vegetarian lasagna: You could prepare a veggie lasagna that features your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers replacing ground beef.
Overall, these substitutions and variations will allow you to create a customized easy cheesy lasagna recipe that matches your preferences while still maintaining its savory flavor.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this easy cheesy lasagna, the possibilities are endless. This dish is sure to please a crowd, making it perfect for your next dinner party or gathering.
To start off, you can serve this lasagna with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread on the side. The crisp greens of a salad will add the perfect balance to the richness of the cheesy layers in the lasagna. You can also brush some softened butter over slices of Italian bread, sprinkle some garlic powder, and toast them up in the oven for an easy and delicious side.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, pair this dish with a full-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese. Their bold flavors complement the savory tomato sauce and meaty layers of the lasagna perfectly. Additionally, you can opt for a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a lighter touch.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, consider serving this with lemonade or iced tea on warmer days or hot cocoa or cider on chillier evenings. And don’t forget to close out your meal with a sweet treat like tiramisu, cannoli, or gelato for that perfect Italian-inspired finishing touch.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside this dish, this easy cheesy lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests craving more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
What’s better than enjoying a hot and cheesy lasagna straight from the oven? Well, being able to enjoy it over and over again, even days later! That’s why I’ve got some tips for you on how to make-ahead, store and reheat your easy cheesy lasagna.
To make-ahead your lasagna, simply follow the recipe as instructed but stop before baking it in the oven. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, just remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake it according to the recipe instructions.
If you have any leftovers after indulging in this delicious dish, no need to worry! You can easily store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating individual portions, simply microwave them until heated through or reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
A great way to repurpose your leftover lasagna is by turning it into a new meal. Cut it into bite-size pieces and add them to soups or stews or heat them in a skillet for a quick and easy pasta dish.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious easy cheesy lasagna anytime and anywhere.
Tips for Perfect Results
As someone who has made this easy cheesy lasagna recipe multiple times, I have gathered some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect result every time.
Firstly, make sure to use whole milk ricotta cheese for that creamy texture. This will give your lasagna a delicious flavor and add to the overall creaminess of the dish. In addition, draining the cottage cheese in a fine mesh strainer is also recommended so that it doesn’t become too watery and changes the consistency of the cheese mixture.
Secondly, when browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, make sure to cook it for slightly longer without breaking it up too much. This will help to give your lasagna a better texture and prevent the meat from being too chewy or tough.
Thirdly, if you’re looking for a meatless option for this lasagna recipe, consider substituting with vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini. You can also make a delicious vegetarian lasagna by using three types of cheese such as ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella.
Fourthly, don’t forget to let your lasagna sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing it into individual servings. This allows for any excess moisture to be absorbed and ensures that your lasagna slices won’t fall apart or lose their shape when serving.
Lastly, if you prefer regular lasagna noodles rather than oven-ready ones, boil them for 8-10 minutes before layering them in the pan. However, I highly recommend trying this recipe without boiling the noodles first as it saves time and creates less hassle.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an amazing and easy cheesy lasagna that will have all your guests asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
FAQ
Before wrapping up this article about easy cheesy lasagna(No Boil) recipe, it’s crucial to address some common questions that home chefs might have. Check out this section for quick solutions for the culinary concerns you may encounter while preparing or storing this dish.
Can you use regular lasagna without boiling?
If you’re looking for a hassle-free lasagna recipe, then look no further! This recipe allows you to skip the time-consuming step of boiling the noodles before assembling them. Instead, simply layer the regular, uncooked lasagna noodles with the sauce, ricotta, spinach, and cheese. As the lasagna bakes, the dry noodles will absorb the moisture from the other ingredients, resulting in a perfectly cooked and delicious lasagna.
Can you bake lasagna noodles without boiling?
Who needs the hassle of boiling lasagna noodles before baking? Don’t waste your time with such an unnecessary step! Instead, skip the boiling and opt for letting the noodles soak up the sauce and cook in the oven. Trust me, you won’t even miss those so-called “oven ready” noodles.
Can I use Barilla lasagna noodles without boiling?
Say goodbye to the hassle of boiling lasagna noodles with Barilla® Oven Ready Lasagne. You no longer have to waste time and effort in prepping the pasta before baking. Just layer it directly on your pan and let the oven do the work. What’s more, Barilla® Oven Ready Lasagne is made with non-GMO ingredients for a healthier and safer dish.
Can you soak regular lasagna noodles instead of boiling?
Lasagna noodles can be prepared in a more efficient way by soaking them instead of boiling them. Soaking the noodles will result in a faster cooking time in the oven, compared to using completely dry noodles. This method won’t add any additional time to your cooking process, as the soaking can be done while the sauce simmers. Give this technique a try and see the difference it makes in your lasagna.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is no surprise that this easy cheesy lasagna recipe is sure to be your new go-to dish for a crowd-pleasing meal. With no need to boil noodles and the option to customize ingredients to your liking, this lasagna recipe makes all the difference in the world. It serves as the perfect centerpiece for any dinner party, potluck, or Sunday family dinner. So why wait any longer? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven and start cooking! Trust me; one bite of this delicious lasagna recipe will have you coming back for more.
Easy Cheesy Lasagna(No Boil) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce or 3 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 8 wide lasagna noodles
- 1 2 cups ricotta cheese or 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°.
- Use a 9x13 GLASS pan.
- Brown ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic.
- Drain off fat.
- Return beef mixture to skillet.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and water.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan and parsley; set aside.
- In 13x9" glass pan, layer 1/3 of sauce.
- Layer half of uncooked lasagna noodles. (I often stagger the noodles from end to end as well as overlap them a bit. Centering the noodles in the middle instead of to one end.).
- Layer one half of ricotta mixture and half of mozzarella.
- Cover with 1/3 sauce.
- Repeat layers, ending with sauce mixture.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 1 hour,.
- Uncover, sprinkle with extra parmesan . Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
- For Florentine, omit meat and parsley. Stir onion, garlic and one 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and drained and 1/8 teaspoons nutmeg into cheese mixture. Layer as above. I often use steamed, chopped fresh spinach.
- Microwave directions: ( I have never used these) Prepare as above except use plastic wrap and vent corner. Microwave on high for 10 minute or until sauce boils. Microwave at 50% power for 30-35 minute or until pasta is tender, rotating dish after 15 minute Uncover: top with parmesan cheese. Let stand 10 minute before serving. These directions were for older microwaves, so be careful with the times.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!