This Lazy Beef Lasagna is a cozy dish perfect for busy days! It layers hearty beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all piled between sheets of pasta.
Honestly, who has time for fancy cooking? Just throw it together, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the yummy smell wafting through your home. Yum!
I love to serve it with some garlic bread. It’s so easy to make that I often whip it up on a whim. Plus, leftovers are the best for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving it a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can even use lentils for a vegetarian twist!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time, but feel free to use homemade if you have some. For a different flavor, swap it out for Alfredo sauce or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are super convenient! If you have regular lasagna noodles, you can use them, but you’ll need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. Cottage cheese is a lower-fat substitute that still works nicely. You can also mix in some spinach for extra nutrients!
Cheeses: I love mozzarella for its meltiness, but you can use a mix of any cheese you like, such as provolone or cheddar. Just stay away from fresh mozzarella as it can make the lasagna watery.
How Do You Achieve Perfect Layers in Lasagna?
Creating perfect layers is key to a successful lasagna! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. This also creates moisture from the start!
- Place the noodles in a single layer, ensuring they slightly overlap. This helps hold everything together.
- Spread your ricotta mix evenly, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella. Be generous, but don’t go overboard!
- Pour a third of the meat sauce over the mozzarella and repeat the layering process until you finish with noodles and sauce on top.
- Finally, cover with more cheese for that delicious melty topping.
Don’t forget to let the lasagna rest after baking! This way, it holds together better when you slice it. Enjoy digging into those perfect layers!
Lazy Beef Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or pasta sauce
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups (450 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Lazy Beef Lasagna takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 40 minutes of baking time. Total, you’ll need around 55 minutes to have a beautifully layered lasagna ready to enjoy. Just let it cool for a bit after baking, and you’re set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your lasagna!
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, drizzle in some olive oil and heat it up over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the wonderful aroma. Then, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
3. Add the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce along with the dried Italian seasoning. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavors, so don’t skip this step!
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, the egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, lay down 3 no-boil lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Now, spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over those noodles. Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded mozzarella on top, and then spoon one-third of the meat sauce over the mozzarella. Repeat this layering with another 3 noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, one-third mozzarella, and one-third meat sauce.
Finally, finish with the last 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the lasagna out and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Enjoy your cozy Lazy Beef Lasagna! It’s a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives a robust flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that any meat is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
If you have regular lasagna noodles, no problem! Just cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in your lasagna. Make sure to drain and cool them slightly so they’re easy to handle.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in some sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition. Just make sure to cook them before layering so they don’t release too much moisture during baking.