Lazy Lasagna Recipe: Discover the Ultimate Comfort Food
Lazy Lasagna Recipe
Lazy lasagna recipe is your ticket to a cozy night in, where layers of gooey cheese, hearty marinara, and tender noodles come together in a delightful embrace. This easy-to-make dish swaps traditional ingredients for a lighter twist, using ground turkey or lentils and a splash of vegetable broth for depth. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll have a bubbling, golden masterpiece ready to serve in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family gathering, this lasagna is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies with every delicious bite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Layers of cheesy goodness that will warm your heart.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
lazy lasagna recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your lasagna cooks evenly and gets that perfect bubbly top!
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will blend all those lovely flavors!
- In a bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, let your lasagna sit for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier!
- Slice up your Lazy Lasagna, serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful comfort of this easy dish with family and friends!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Italian |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | With garlic bread and salad |
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles – Use no-boil noodles for a quicker prep time.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle on top for a delicious, savory finish.
- Marinara sauce – Choose your favorite jarred sauce for convenience.
- Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner alternative to traditional beef.
- Spinach – Fresh or frozen, it adds a nutritious boost.
- Italian seasoning – Enhances the flavor profile with herbs.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious Lazy Lasagna that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your lasagna cooks evenly and gets that perfect bubbly top!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add the Ground Meat
Stir in 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Step 4: Mix in the Tomato Sauce
Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will blend all those lovely flavors!
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Step 7: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let your lasagna sit for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your Lazy Lasagna, serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful comfort of this easy dish with family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use no-boil noodles to save time and effort.
•Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for a nutritious boost.
•Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
•Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
•Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Offer a side of steamed veggies for a healthy balance.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- Enjoy with a glass of sparkling water infused with lemon.
- For a twist, serve with a dollop of pesto on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your lazy lasagna fresh:
- Allow it to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Cool the lasagna completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and type for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
To enjoy your lasagna again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil to retain moisture.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Check the center is hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this lazy lasagna recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe. Just layer them as you would regular noodles, and they will soften beautifully while baking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even a mixture of cream cheese and yogurt. Both options will give you a creamy texture without compromising flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the lazy lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them lightly before layering to enhance their flavor and ensure they cook through.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free lazy lasagna, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure all other ingredients, like sauces and cheeses, are gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t sacrifice taste!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new go-to lazy lasagna recipe! It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So gather your loved ones, serve up a slice, and relish the simple joy of homemade comfort food. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure!
