Easy Lasagna Recipe (No Boil Noodles)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-boil lasagna is a total crowd-pleaser, combining savory ground beef, flavorful Italian sausage, and a creamy three-cheese mixture that melts beautifully in every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: it uses store-bought spaghetti sauce, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the no-boil noodles eliminate the extra step of cooking pasta, making this recipe easy for even beginner cooks. In just under 90 minutes, you can serve up a mouthwatering, classic lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite sauce)

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons dried parsley or 4 tablespoons freshly snipped

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

• 12 lasagna noodles

• ¼ cup water (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and spaghetti sauce to the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, eggs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed and smooth.

4. Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading ¾ cup of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.

5. Layer with ⅓ of the cheese mixture, then ¼ of the sauce. Repeat this layering process until all the noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce are used up. Top the lasagna with the remaining 3 noodles, followed by the remaining sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.

6. If your sauce is thick, pour ¼ cup of water around the edges of the pan to ensure the noodles cook properly. If your sauce is runnier, you may not need the water.

7. Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil (sprayed side down to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.

8. After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.

9. Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to cut.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 15

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Resting time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the ground beef and sausage with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a lighter, vegetarian version.

• Meat Lovers: Add more types of meat, such as ground turkey or pepperoni, to amp up the savory flavor.

• Spicy Lasagna: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350ºF oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 2-3 minutes, depending on your microwave's power.

FAQs

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Ensure that the sauce isn't too runny before layering, and if you use a thick sauce, add a small amount of water around the edges of the pan to help the noodles cook properly.

Can I use no-boil noodles from a different brand?

Yes, you can use any no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the brand.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef to make the dish lighter.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Can I use homemade sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade spaghetti sauce will work wonderfully. Just make sure it's thick enough to hold the layers together without making the noodles soggy.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top, and the noodles are tender. You can insert a knife to check that the layers are heated through.

Can I use regular noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Yes, you can use traditional lasagna noodles, but you'll need to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the dish.

How do I make my lasagna creamier?

You can add an extra layer of ricotta cheese or mix in some heavy cream into the sauce for a creamier texture.

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like provolone, cheddar, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.

Can I cook this lasagna in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can layer and cook the lasagna in a slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours. Make sure to use uncooked noodles and layer them just like the oven method.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna recipe with no-boil noodles is the perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness. It delivers all the rich, hearty flavors you love in a classic lasagna without any of the fuss. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying—what's not to love?

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