Overnight Lasagna
Creamy layered lasagna with rich tomato sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy hearty Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 32 oz. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- about 1 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 15 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- dash of pepper
- 1 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian dressing mix ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Mix spaghetti sauce, water, oregano, sugar, chopped onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer cooked noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and some shredded mozzarella over the ricotta.
- Add a layer of cooked ground meat.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat layer. If you are short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can be a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with a mixture of spinach and mushrooms or use a layer of Homemade Manicotti Shells for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors of the dish. For a lighter option, consider serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh Caprese salad to balance the richness of the lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Lasagna contains roughly 522 calories, with 20g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1032mg per serving (45% 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 prepare Overnight Lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. This allows the flavors to meld, and you can bake it directly from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency. This will still provide a creamy texture to your lasagna without compromising flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Overnight Lasagna gluten-free, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Most brands offer a variety that cooks similarly to traditional noodles. Additionally, ensure that your spaghetti sauce and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.
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).