Easy to Make Lasagna Recipe for Dinner
Are you a busy home chef who loves hosting parties but struggles to find time to prepare delicious meals? Do you have unexpected guests coming over and need a quick and easy recipe that will impress them? Look no further than this Hurry Up Lasagna Recipe!
As a home chef myself, I know how frustrating it can be to spend long hours cooking traditional lasagna recipes that require lots of prep time, long cook times, and endless layers. But with this Hurry Up Lasagna Recipe, you’ll be able to make an amazingly delicious homemade lasagna in just a fraction of the time.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s so simple and fast, you can even whip it up in one pan. That’s right – no need for multiple dishes or complicated steps. You’ll love the convenience and ease of making this dish, without sacrificing any flavor or quality.
So if you’re ready to speed up your cooking game and impress your guests with a mouthwatering homemade lasagna, keep reading for the ingredients and step-by-step recipe instruction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make lasagna recipe that will save you both time and effort, look no further than this hurry-up lasagna recipe. Trust me; once you try it, you will never go back to your previous lasagna recipe.
What makes this recipe so special? First of all, it’s made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. The combination of ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and ricotta cheese creates a rich and savory meat sauce that is the stuff of legends. This meat sauce is layered between sheets of cooked spaghetti noodles and topped with oodles of mozzarella cheese before being baked to golden perfection.
Not only is this recipe super flavorful and cheesy, but it’s also lightning fast to make. Unlike traditional lasagna recipes that require the meat sauce to simmer for hours, this one comes together in mere minutes. You won’t have to wait all day for the slow cook magic; instead, you can whip up this delectable lasagna in just one pan. The pasta noodles are boiled directly in the sauce to speed up cooking time and avoid dirtying multiple pans.
This recipe isn’t just about speed cooking though; the end result is a beautiful dish that looks impressive and tastes amazing. With every bite, you’ll be blown away by the fresh parsley-infused ricotta cheese mixture with decadent gooey melted cheese on top.
So don’t waste any more time trying to find the best homemade lasagna recipe out there! This one is hands-down the winner. Try it yourself and prepare to be amazed by the taste, ease of prep, and visual appeal of this favorite comfort food dish.
Ingredient List
Let me break down the ingredient list for this hurry up lasagna recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta:
- 1 lb Spaghetti noodles or Lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 24 oz jar or can of pasta sauce (I prefer to use sauce 1 and spaghetti sauce)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese (cheese 1)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Make sure you have all these ingredients in your pantry before heading to the kitchen for speedy cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get down to business and create this delicious Hurry up Lasagna. This recipe is perfect for when you want a hearty meal but don’t have time for a long cook. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, this one-pan lasagna recipe is speedy, easy and packs a punch in the taste department. Here is the step-by-step process to make this hurry lasagna recipe.
Prep Time
-
Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse.
-
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Meat Sauce
-
Cook 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet until brown.
-
Add 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce and stir well.
-
Bring the sauce to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine 16 ounces ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix together until they are creamy.
Layering it all
-
In an oven-safe dish, spread 1/2 cup of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
-
Arrange a layer of cooked spaghetti noodles over the meat sauce.
-
Spread half the cheese mixture on top of the noodles, then spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese.
-
Repeat layers with remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Final Touch
-
Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve hot with garlic bread or salad. And voilà! Your homemade hurry lasagna recipe is ready!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, let’s talk about substitutions and variations to give this lasagna recipe a little twist! You know, sometimes you just need to spice things up, you know what I mean?
First off, if you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, I would suggest using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Trust me; it’s delicious and with 4 cups of chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms added into the meat sauce, it’s extra nutritious too.
Another variation to try is the use of spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef – this will give the lasagna a nice kick! And don’t forget about adding some eggplant slices or zucchini ribbons in between layers or swapping the spaghetti noodles for lasagna noodles, to add a bit more veggies in a sneaky way. It may seem unconventional but roasted sweet potatoes are fantastic as well. Just make sure they are cooked through before using.
For those who love cheese (and who doesn’t?), I have some cheesy alternatives that you cannot miss. Firstly, try using shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and Romano cheese all over to create a cheesy paradise. If you’d like something fun for the whole family, consider making Sausage Lasagna Roll-Ups where each lasagna noodle is filled with cheese and sausage then rolled up as individual portions. You can either use mushroom tomato sauce (let’s sneak some more veggies in!) or go crazy with Bechamel sauce.
And if you’re not super keen on meat altogether or just want something lighter for summer days’ dinner, there are also versions of vegetable lasagnas that are so good that even meat lovers won’t miss the meat. Consider making Zucchini Lasagna, Spinach Lasagna (with spinach-heavy ricotta mix) or Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna that is good enough for a dinner party showstopper.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients – who knows what unique creation you might come up with? As long as yours has lots of melted cheesy goodness and thick pasta sauce right where it needs to be – pure comfort food beauty!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Hurry up Lasagna is hot, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible, it’s time to serve it up and savor the delicious flavors. This lasagna is a great main course to serve at any cozy gathering, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Pair this amazing homemade lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. The garlic bread should be crispy on the outside and buttery on the inside. As for the green salad, I advise you to toss in some fresh parsley to complement the flavor of the savory tomato sauce.
This lasagna pairs perfectly with a bold red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, as it can cut through the richness of the pasta and enhance that rich meaty flavor even more. The tannins in the wine will also work their magic and balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.
For dessert, consider making something that also comes from Italy, like a light tiramisu or panna cotta.
Now that you know how to pair your Hurry up Lasagna with scrumptious side dishes, savory sauces, tasty wines and delicious desserts, all that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy a meal that will transport you straight to Italy.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Hurry up Lasagna Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. This recipe makes a sizable amount, so if you’re cooking for a small family, you can always store the leftovers for the next few days or freeze them for future use.
To make-ahead, prepare the dish as instructed and let it cool down completely. Once cooled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you’re planning on freezing the lasagna, make sure to let it cool down first before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’s best to portion out the lasagna before freezing to make reheating easier later on.
To reheat the lasagna, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Take out the leftover or frozen lasagna from the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then, remove the aluminum foil and cover the dish with fresh foil. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake covered for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
You can also reheat individual portions of lasagna in the microwave, but be cautious as this may not yield the same texture as reheating in the oven.
When storing leftover lasagna in the fridge, be mindful of how long you keep it. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. After that point, they should be discarded.
No matter how you choose to store and reheat this Hurry up Lasagna Recipe, you’re sure to enjoy a perfect homemade taste every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a perfect lasagna, every detail counts. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you make the best homemade lasagna recipe.
Firstly, make sure to use fresh ingredients for the highest quality taste. This includes using freshly grated cheese and thinly sliced vegetables.
Also, be sure not to overcook the lasagna noodles. Boil them for exactly the recommended amount of time, and rinse them immediately with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from becoming too soft.
Another key tip is to layer your ingredients evenly throughout your lasagna. Make sure that every layer has an equal amount of sauce, meat or vegetables, ricotta cheese, and pasta noodles. This helps to ensure that your lasagna cooks evenly every time.
If you want to save some time during preparation, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles or pre-made pasta sauce. This can help speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
When baking your lasagna, cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes or so in order to prevent the cheese from burning. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
Last but not least, let your homemade lasagna rest before slicing and serving. This allows it to set properly and helps to prevent it from becoming too soupy.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a delicious and perfectly cooked lasagna every time!
FAQ
Now that we have covered all the essential aspects of making a delicious and speedy lasagna, you might still have some questions regarding the recipe. To clarify all possible doubts or queries, we have gathered a list of frequently asked questions to guide you in your cooking adventure with this dish. Let’s dive in and get started!
Why does lasagna have to cook for an hour?
When preparing lasagna, baking it for a longer period is necessary to ensure that the pasta sheets are cooked thoroughly. Additionally, if the sauce has not been reduced properly, longer baking can also help reduce the sauce. However, if everything has been cooked beforehand and the sauce is perfectly reduced, you only need to bake it for about 20 minutes to ensure that it is heated thoroughly. These tips can come in handy, especially when preparing lasagna for a party.
How long to cook 9×13 frozen lasagna?
When it comes to frozen lasagna, it is important to avoid thawing it at room temperature. Instead, follow these steps for a delicious and perfectly cooked dish.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and cover your frozen lasagna with foil. Bake it in the oven for about 40 minutes, keeping it covered. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and cooked all the way through.
If you prefer to cook your lasagna straight from the freezer, no problem. Just be sure to cover it with foil and bake it at 375 degrees F for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.
Why does lasagna take so long to cook?
When preparing a thick and hearty lasagna, it is important to factor in the time it will take for the heat to reach the center of the dish. This is because the layers of meat and cheese will need ample time to warm up evenly. However, if you have a lasagna with a few thinner layers, you can expect a shorter cooking time of about 10-15 minutes.
Why put egg in ricotta cheese in lasagna?
If you want to make your lasagna extra scrumptious, I have a little trick up my sleeve. By adding an egg to the ricotta filling, it will give it a bit more texture and hold it together. When it comes to layering your lasagna, always start with a layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish. Then, add the noodles followed by a layer of cheese. Repeat this process and end with a final layer of meat sauce on top. With this simple yet effective layering technique, your lasagna will be irresistible.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this hurry up lasagna recipe is not only easy and quick to make, but it also delivers on taste and texture. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a cheesy, meaty masterpiece that will have your guests clamoring for seconds. And best of all, this recipe can be customized with your favorite substitutions and variations to suit your preferences.
So why settle for a store-bought frozen lasagna or spend hours making a more traditional long-cook version when you can have this homemade lasagna on the table in just 20 minutes of active cooking time? Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student looking for an easy meal, or a home chef who loves to throw parties, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ricotta cheese, spaghetti noodles, and pasta sauce and get started on this speed cooking masterpiece! With its delicious flavor and lightning-fast preparation time, this recipe is sure to become your go-to shortcut for satisfying your craving for the ultimate comfort food – lasagna.
Hurry up Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (48 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 20 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 4 ounces pepperoni, sliced
- 36 ounces Italian cheese blend, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Spread 1 cup sauce in bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Carefully place 1/3 uncooked spaghetti noodles over sauce, making sure to coat spaghetti with sauce.
- Combine the ricotta cheese and parsley.
- Layer 2 cups ricotta mixture, 1/2 the pepperoni, 1 cup sauce and 1 cup cheese.
- Top with remaining spaghetti noodles , 2 cups ricotta mixture, pepperoni, sauce and 1 cup cheese.
- Top with remaining spaghetti and sauce, making sure sauce completely covers noodles.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake 375 degrees for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake 5 minutes longer.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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!