Description
This easy lasagna recipe uses no-boil noodles, making the preparation simple and time-efficient without sacrificing flavor. Ground beef and sweet Italian sausage are simmered in a savory garlic-spaghetti sauce, layered with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this classic Italian dish delivers hearty comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite sauce)
Cheese Mixture
- 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 black pepper
Additional
- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- ¼ cup water (optional, depending on sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage together until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and spaghetti sauce, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, eggs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- First Layer Assembly: Spread ¾ cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture and one-quarter of the sauce spread over the cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce two more times, ensuring even distribution.
- Top Layer: Finish with the remaining 3 noodles, spread the remaining sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is very thick, add ¼ to ½ cup water around the edges of the pan to help noodles cook evenly.
- Bake Covered: Spray one side of a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray, then cover the baking dish with the foil sprayed side down to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese and finish cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier. Serve warm.
Notes
- If your sauce is very thick, adding water during assembly helps cook the noodles thoroughly.
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
- Using no-boil noodles significantly reduces preparation time without needing to cook noodles separately.
- Adjust spices to taste; adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil can enhance the flavor profile.
