Description
This Lazy Meatball Lasagna recipe offers a quick and easy twist on traditional lasagna by using frozen cooked meatballs and uncooked noodles for a hearty, comforting meal. With a rich marinara and creamy ricotta cheese base seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, this casserole bakes into a satisfying lasagna perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Sauce Mixture
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese, divided
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Main
- 6-8 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready), broken into pieces
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cooked meatballs
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Marinara and Water: Pour the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce into the baking dish. Add 1 ½ cups of water into the empty jar, close and shake well, then pour the water into the baking dish with the sauce, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- Combine Ricotta and Seasonings: Add half of the ricotta cheese in dollops into the sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mash the ricotta into the sauce with the back of a spoon and stir everything until fully combined.
- Layer Noodles and Meatballs: Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into pieces and scatter them evenly over the sauce mixture. Then place the frozen cooked meatballs evenly across the noodles.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Bake: Dollop the remaining ricotta cheese over the meatballs and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until the noodles are tender. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is nicely browned and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- You can use regular marinara sauce or a homemade version for more flavor.
- Breaking the noodles instead of layering whole sheets simplifies preparation.
- Using frozen cooked meatballs saves time and adds convenience.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold its shape when slicing.
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.