This lazy lasagna is a simple and delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring layers of cheesy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and tender noodles. It’s an easy meal that brings comforting Italian flavors to your table in no time!

Making this lazy lasagna brings back memories of my time in Italy, where I first fell in love with the flavors of traditional lasagna. The rich marinara sauce and creamy cheese were always a treat. This recipe captures that essence but makes it much easier to prepare.

I love how this lazy lasagna is so simple that anyone can make it. You don’t need to be an expert cook to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. With just a few ingredients and a little assembly, you can have a comforting dish ready in no time.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, lazy lasagna always hits the spot. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves, making mealtime special.

Serving this dish is always a joy. I like to pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Each bite of the cheesy, hearty lasagna brings warmth and satisfaction, reminding me of the wonderful flavors I enjoyed in Italy!

Why this Lazy Lasagna is Great?

This lazy lasagna is great because it makes making lasagna super easy. You don’t have to worry about rolling or layering perfectly, which saves time in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without too much work.

Another reason to love this recipe is how flexible it is. You can add your favorite ingredients, like more veggies or different cheeses, to make it just how you like it. With its delicious flavors of cheese and marinara sauce, this lazy lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to make Lazy Lasagna

Step 1:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2:

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the beef, and mix well. Remove from heat.

Step 3:

Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4:

Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture, half of the beef mixture, and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of noodles and the remaining marinara sauce on top.

Step 5:

Add the Final Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the last layer of sauce.

Step 6:

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7:

Serve: Let the lazy lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Lazy Lasagna

• Opt for lean ground beef (like 90/10) to reduce excess fat in the dish, keeping the lasagna from becoming greasy.

• Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese mixture. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds extra flavor.

• While cooking the ground beef, add garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor right in the meat layer.

• Instead of just layering the cheese mixture on top, spread some ricotta mixture directly on the noodles before rolling them up. This ensures every bite is cheesy.

• A deeper baking dish will allow for more layers, making your lazy lasagna heartier and more satisfying.

• If using no-boil noodles, keep an eye on the baking time as they may cook faster than regular noodles, resulting in a different texture.

What to serve with Lazy Lasagna?

You can serve garlic bread alongside lazy lasagna for a classic and delicious pairing. Its crispy, buttery flavor complements the rich and cheesy lasagna perfectly. Making garlic bread is simple—just spread garlic butter on slices of bread and toast them in the oven. It’s great for dipping into the sauce and adds a nice crunch to the meal.

You can also add a fresh Caesar salad to your dinner table. The crunchy romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy lasagna. Sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavor. This easy salad brings a light touch to your meal and balances the richness of the lasagna.

You can include steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a healthy side option. These vegetables are easy to prepare and can be seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper for added flavor. Together, these sides make a well-rounded and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Lazy Lasagna: Replace the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. This version is packed with nutrients and is perfect for vegetarians.

Meat Lovers Lazy Lasagna: For a heartier dish, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni in the meat layer. This variation satisfies those who enjoy a rich and meaty lasagna.

Cheesy Lazy Lasagna: Add more types of cheese to the filling, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and fontina. This creates a super cheesy experience that cheese lovers will adore.

Pesto Lazy Lasagna: Mix pesto into the ricotta cheese filling for a burst of fresh flavor. You can also drizzle some pesto on top before serving for an extra kick.

Buffalo Chicken Lazy Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken mixed with buffalo sauce. Top it with mozzarella cheese for a spicy twist that’s sure to please fans of buffalo flavor.

How to store Lazy Lasagna

To store lazy lasagna, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer the lasagna to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the lazy lasagna. To do this, cut it into individual portions or keep it whole, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a little extra sauce or cheese on top before reheating can help restore its moisture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I use regular lasagna noodles?

• Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but you will need to cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

• Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does it take to cook lazy lasagna?

• It typically takes about 45 minutes to bake, plus some time for preparation.

What type of cheese can I use?

• You can use a mix of cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, or try other cheeses like provolone or goat cheese for different flavors.

How do I know when the lazy lasagna is done?

• It is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden brown.

Can I add more meat to the filling?

• Yes, you can mix in more meats like Italian sausage or even pepperoni for a heartier dish.

Can I use a different type of sauce?

• Yes, you can use different sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or even a white sauce for a different flavor profile.

Is lazy lasagna a good option for feeding a crowd?

• Yes, it’s an easy dish to make in larger quantities, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks!

Lazy Lasagna

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

This lazy lasagna is a simple and delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring layers of cheesy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and tender noodles. It’s an easy meal that brings comforting Italian flavors to your table in no time!

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the beef and mix well. Remove from heat.
• In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then half of the beef mixture, and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of noodles and the remaining marinara sauce on top.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the last layer of sauce.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the lazy lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef (like 90/10) to reduce excess fat in the dish, keeping the lasagna from becoming greasy.