Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe

This Lazy Day Lasagna is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal! Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a creamy ricotta cheese filling, all baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a delicious dish that’s perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a special occasion gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Delicious: This lasagna is incredibly simple to assemble, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of ground beef, Italian herbs, and a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese filling creates a rich and decadent lasagna that’s bursting with flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the meat sauce with your favorite vegetables or spices, or use a different type of cheese for the filling or topping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Used to cook the vegetables and brown the ground beef.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty and savory base to the meat sauce. You can substitute with ground turkey if you prefer.
• Onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Season the meat sauce to perfection.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
• Eggs: Whisked and help to bind the ricotta cheese filling.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the filling.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the filling and topping.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy stretch.
• Oven-ready lasagna noodles: These noodles don’t require pre-cooking, making the lasagna even easier to assemble.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Lazy Day Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat and Make the Meat Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

While the meat sauce is simmering, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, stir together the eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles on top in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by another layer of 4 noodles. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then add the final layer of 4 noodles. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Cover the casserole dish tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake for 55 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the lasagna stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use lean ground meat: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: This lasagna freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

This Lazy Day Lasagna is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lazy Day Lasagna is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This lasagna can be frozen baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready noodles?
Yes, you can! If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente before layering them in the casserole.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?
Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or a bay leaf would be delicious additions to the meat sauce.

This Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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