Pin it
Want the quickest homemade lasagna ever? After trying countless complicated recipes that took ages, I've finally nailed this super simple version. My family goes crazy for this comfort dish, and the best part? It comes together in no time. The trick? Ready-made marinara and a clever no-boil method that cuts down prep time without giving up that genuine homemade flavor.
What Makes This Quick Lasagna So Foolproof
The key to my favorite lasagna is keeping things uncomplicated. I grab high-quality store marinara like Newman's Own or Rao's – it really makes all the difference. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so you can skip the boiling step. Just make sure you cover them completely with sauce. Here's a handy trick: let it cool for 15 minutes after it's done. This helps everything set nicely, giving you those perfect, Instagram-worthy slices.
All The Ingredients You'll Need
- Yellow Onion: A medium one, diced small.
- Olive Oil: Only a tablespoon for sautéing.
- Ground Beef: Pick lean meat to avoid excess fat.
- Kosher Salt: Just half a teaspoon to enhance taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground works best.
- Marinara Sauce: One large 24-ounce container, roughly 3 cups.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups grated low-moisture, the kind that melts well.
- Lasagna Noodles: Standard ones, not the special no-boil variety.
- Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta for extra richness.
How To Make The Ultimate Lasagna
- Heat Your Oven
- Preheat to 400°F with the rack positioned centrally.
- Prepare Your Meat
- Dice the onion finely. Warm oil in a large skillet, cook onion, beef, salt and pepper until meat browns thoroughly, around 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Ready Your Dish
- Pour some sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Combine the remaining sauce with your cooked meat.
- Start Layering
- This is the fun part. Place 5 noodles down first, snapping them to fit. Spread 1 cup of ricotta, then 1½ cups of meat mixture, and scatter some mozzarella on top.
- Continue Layering
- Repeat the same pattern once more. Finish with your remaining noodles and coat them generously with sauce.
- Into The Oven
- Cover with aluminum foil, bake one hour. Test if noodles are soft – if not, give it another 15 minutes.
- Add Final Cheese
- Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella on top and bake uncovered until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving
- Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before cutting into beautiful squares.
Prepare Your Lasagna In Advance
Need to get a jump on your quick lasagna? You can put it all together up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. I actually prefer doing this because it gives the flavors time to blend perfectly. If you're planning way ahead, you can freeze your lasagna for up to a month. Just don't forget to move it to the fridge 2 days before you want to bake it.
Secrets To Amazing Lasagna Every Time
I've made this quick lasagna countless times and learned some useful tricks. Always be generous with sauce, especially around the edges where noodles tend to dry out. Go heavy on cheese and make sure every bit gets covered with sauce. My family absolutely loves when I add fresh basil right before serving. The aroma while it's cooking always brings everyone running to the kitchen.
How To Store Your Leftovers
This amazing lasagna actually tastes better the day after you make it. Store any extra portions in an airtight container in your fridge and they'll stay fresh for 5 days. Want quick meals for later? Cut the cooled lasagna into squares, wrap them well and pop them in the freezer. They're great for busy weekday lunches – just warm them in the microwave until they're hot and bubbly.
Pin it
Why This Dish Gets Rave Reviews
This quick lasagna has turned into the most asked-for meal at my family get-togethers. It's easy enough for weeknight dinners but still feels fancy enough for guests. Those layers of pasta, gooey cheese, and savory meat sauce create that traditional taste we all long for. And the best thing? You don't need to mention how easy it was to make – everyone will just think it's delicious.
Great For Every Gathering
If you're new to making lasagna or just want a simpler version of your usual approach, this won't let you down. It's ideal for weekend meals, batch cooking, or feeding a bunch of people. Whenever I serve this lasagna, someone always asks me for my secret. It's become my go-to dish, and I bet it'll become yours too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- → Why not use no-boil noodles?
Regular noodles provide better texture and layer better. They cook perfectly in the sauce without pre-boiling, making them just as convenient.
- → Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking. Cover with foil and add 20 minutes to baking time.
- → Why let it rest before serving?
The 15-minute rest allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier. If cut too soon, the layers may slide apart.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Feel free to mix in provolone or parmesan with the mozzarella. Keep the ricotta as it provides the creamy texture between layers.