Lazy Lasagna

Who doesn’t love a hearty, comforting lasagna? But let’s face it, sometimes you’re just not in the mood for all the layering, boiling noodles, and hours of baking. Enter Lazy Lasagna: a simplified, one-pan version of your classic favorite. It’s all the rich, cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna but without the hassle. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer, especially when you want that homemade lasagna flavor with a fraction of the effort.

Picture this: tender pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, melty mozzarella, and just the right amount of herbs, all cooked in one dish. The best part? No need to fuss over multiple pots, pans, or messy layers. You throw it all together, pop it in the oven, and relax. You’ll get the same warm, comforting vibes, but with way less stress. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get this deliciousness in the oven!

Why You’ll Love Lazy Lasagna

Quick & Easy

Forget about all the steps that come with traditional lasagna. This one-pan dish comes together in no time and with very little prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Comforting & Hearty

All the classic lasagna flavors are packed in here. It’s cheesy, saucy, and just the right balance of meaty goodness that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

One-Pot Wonder

Who doesn’t love a dish that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up after? One pan is all you need to create this delicious comfort food.

Customizable

Like a classic lasagna, you can switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add extra veggies, use a different type of meat, or make it vegetarian—this recipe is as flexible as you need it to be!

Perfect for Meal Prep

Lazy Lasagna is great for prepping ahead of time. You can make it in advance, refrigerate it, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. It also reheats wonderfully!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Lazy Lasagna:

• Ground Beef: The base of the sauce, giving it that classic meaty flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Adds a bit of spice and extra flavor to the meat sauce. You can use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
• Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better.
• Onion: Sweet and savory, it adds flavor to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The key to making a rich, tangy lasagna sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: To give the sauce that perfect smooth texture.
• Lasagna Noodles: Uncooked noodles that get layered into the sauce to soften as they bake—no need to pre-cook them!
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy, cheesy layer that brings everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty mozzarella to top it off and create that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a nice sharpness and depth of flavor.
• Dried Basil & Oregano: For that classic Italian flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a large oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Once it’s cooked, add the garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

To the browned meat, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Layer the Noodles

Now, break your uncooked lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the meat sauce, stirring gently to make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Once the noodles have softened, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top of the lasagna, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by half of the parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you want a slightly crisp top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Lazy Lasagna cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve it up hot with a side salad and some garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a perfect, easy dinner!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 26g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 225mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 600mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Lazy Lasagna

This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce!
• Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the lasagna.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add some freshness to the meal.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep this dish in advance! Just assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, bake it as directed.
• Veggie Version: Make it vegetarian by adding layers of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach in place of the meat.
• Double the Recipe: If you’ve got a crowd, double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pan. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for gatherings.
• Freezing: This lasagna freezes beautifully! Just assemble the whole dish and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen (it may take a little longer, around 45-50 minutes).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular noodles instead of lasagna noodles?
A1: For this recipe, I recommend sticking with lasagna noodles, but if you don’t have them, you can use regular pasta like rigatoni or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, bake it in the oven.

Q3: Can I freeze the Lazy Lasagna?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe pan and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen—just give it an extra 10-15 minutes.

Q4: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A4: Yes! Ground turkey works great in this recipe as a lighter alternative to ground beef. It will still be delicious!

Q5: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
A5: If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese. You’ll still get that creamy, cheesy texture.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Just replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed lasagna.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: To make this gluten-free, simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles, and you’re good to go!

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q9: Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
A9: Yes, jarred pasta sauce can replace the crushed tomatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a flavor that complements the lasagna.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A10: Yes, you can use provolone or fontina cheese in place of mozzarella for a slightly different flavor. It will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Lazy Lasagna is the perfect way to enjoy the comfort of classic lasagna without all the work. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a hot, cheesy, and flavorful dish on the table in no time. So, the next time you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the energy for the traditional method, try this one-pot wonder—your taste buds will thank you!

Print