No-Fuss Lasagna
A comforting and hearty lasagna featuring savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers layered flavors with melted mozzarella topping. Its easy, no-fuss approach makes it ideal for weeknights without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Pour off drippings.
- Add spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes with liquid to the skillet. Stir and set aside.
- Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried basil leaves in a bowl.
- Spread 2 cups of beef sauce over the bottom of an 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
- Arrange 3 lasagna noodles in a single layer, pressing into the sauce.
- Spoon the cheese mixture on top of the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with 2 cups of sauce.
- Arrange remaining noodles in a single layer, pressing lightly into the sauce.
- Cover with remaining sauce and spread evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until noodles are fork-tender.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, tent lightly with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let stand for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using store-bought no-boil lasagna noodles. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also swap the spicy spaghetti sauce for a milder option or use homemade Artie'S Homemade Pasta Sauce for a fresh flavor. To enhance flavors, add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are excellent accompaniments. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Cheese Lasagna for a lasagna night. A glass of red wine can also enhance the flavors of the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. For best results, avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Fuss Lasagna contains roughly 499 calories, with 23g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
To convert this lasagna into a vegetarian dish, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also add layers of sliced mushrooms for added flavor and texture, ensuring it's still hearty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and yogurt for a similar texture. Blending these alternatives will help achieve a creamy consistency while maintaining the flavors of the dish.
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).