Marla Brown'S Fast And Easy Lasagna(Easy)
A quick and cheesy baked lasagna with macaroni, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family meal or easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 2 pounds ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- salt and pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- basil, chopped parsley, or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 pound thin sliced or grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce (or more if desired) ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, ground beef, cooked chicken, or cut-up (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in water until cooked but still stiff. Drain.
- In the lasagna baking pan, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, salt and pepper, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Add the drained cooked macaroni and mix to combine. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced or grated mozzarella cheese over the macaroni mixture.
- Pour spaghetti sauce on top and add cooked meat if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a 375°F oven.
- Remove from oven, cool a few minutes, and serve.
- If the mixture is still very liquid, bake a few more minutes to set.
- Can be frozen and reheated when needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce between the macaroni and mozzarella. If you want to make it lighter, use whole wheat macaroni and low-fat ricotta cheese. Fresh basil or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor. For a unique twist, try adding spinach or mushrooms. This recipe is versatile like Baked Spaghetti With Sausage, so feel free to customize it to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a slice of Italian bread complements the dish well, adding a nice crunch. For a heartier meal, pair it with a glass of red wine. This dish can also be enjoyed as leftovers for lunch, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or a busy weeknight.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes on high. If freezing, wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marla Brown'S Fast And Easy Lasagna(Easy) contains roughly 285 calories, with 16g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1297mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta instead of macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This recipe's versatility allows you to experiment with various pasta types while still delivering delicious results.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and consider adding layers of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Using a marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce can also enhance the overall taste while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. If preparing for a later date, consider freezing it before baking. Just remember to extend the baking time if cooking directly from frozen, allowing for thorough heating throughout.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).