Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce. While making lasagna from scratch can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, there is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy this delicious comfort food without all the hassle.
One of the key shortcuts in making easy no-fuss lasagna is using no-boil lasagna noodles. These noodles require no pre-cooking and can be used directly in the lasagna. This not only saves time but also eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans.
Another time-saving tip is to use a pre-made pasta sauce or marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch. There are many high-quality store-bought sauces available that can rival homemade ones in terms of taste and flavor. Simply choose your favorite sauce and layer it with the other ingredients.
When assembling the lasagna, make sure to spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, layer the noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce, repeating until all the ingredients are used up. It’s recommended to finish the lasagna with a generous layer of cheese on top to create a golden and bubbly crust.
List of Ingredients
1. Ground Beef
Ground beef is the main protein component of this lasagna recipe. You will need approximately 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef.
2. Lasagna Noodles
The lasagna noodles are the base of this dish. You will need around 12 to 15 lasagna noodles, depending on the size of your baking dish.
3. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce provides the rich and flavorful tomato base for the lasagna. You will need about 3 cups (720 ml) of marinara sauce.
4. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness to the lasagna. You will need approximately 2 cups (500 grams) of ricotta cheese.
5. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese provides the gooey and melty texture to the lasagna. You will need around 2 cups (200 grams) of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the dish. You will need about 1/2 cup (50 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Eggs
Eggs are used to bind the ingredients together. You will need 2 large eggs for this lasagna recipe.
8. Garlic
Garlic adds a savory flavor to the dish. You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
9. Dried Italian Seasoning
Dried Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs and spices to enhance the overall taste of the lasagna. You will need 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning.
10. Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are used to season the meat, sauce, and cheese layers. You will need these seasonings to taste.
With these ingredients on hand, you will be well-equipped to make a delicious and satisfying Easy No Fuss lasagna. It’s a timeless comfort food that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making the lasagna, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need lasagna noodles, ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning. Having everything prepared and readily available will make the cooking process smoother.
Cook the Meat and Sauce
Start by cooking the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
Layer the Ingredients
To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, making sure they do not overlap. Next, spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the sauce for added flavor. Cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the lasagna from drying out during baking.
Layer 1 | Meat Sauce |
Layer 2 | Lasagna Noodles |
Layer 3 | Ricotta Cheese |
Layer 4 | Shredded Mozzarella Cheese |
Repeat | Until all ingredients are used |
Final Layer | Meat Sauce |
Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
Once the lasagna is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.