There is nothing quite as comforting as a big, bubbling pan of lasagna, and the Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe is my go-to when I want that classic Italian flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe captures all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness you crave but simplifies the process by using no-boil noodles and a straightforward layering method. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without the fuss. Seriously, once you try this lasagna, it’ll become your easy, trusty favorite for those days you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe so great is how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one adds layers of flavor and texture—from the savory ground beef to the creamy ricotta blend and the golden mozzarella topping—creating a dish that’s familiar but effortlessly delicious.
- Olive oil: The base for browning the beef and adding richness to the sauce.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty flavor without greasiness when browned properly.
- Large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Brown sugar: Balances acidity in the tomato sauce with subtle sweetness.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties the sauce beautifully together.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor in the sauce.
- Tomato sauce (2 cans): The saucy foundation – rich and easy to work with.
- Large eggs: Bind the cheese mixture, giving it structure.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the texture between layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to ooey-gooey perfection on top and inside.
- Oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles: Saves time and makes layering a breeze.
- Fresh chopped parsley: A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Meat and Building Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the lean ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and crumbled, and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—this only takes a minute but makes all the difference. Drain any excess grease to keep the lasagna from getting oily.
Step 2: Simmering the Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium as you add brown sugar, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and aromatic. Pour in the cans of tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step melds the flavors perfectly and thickens the sauce so it won’t runny in your lasagna layers.
Step 3: Preparing the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella in a bowl. This creamy, cheesy mix will add richness and a velvety texture to the layers inside your lasagna. The eggs act as a binder, ensuring it stays together nicely after baking.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers
Now for the fun part! Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, layer 4 of the no-boil lasagna noodles evenly on top. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then cover with another 4 noodles. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce on top, then add the last 4 noodles. Finally, spread the rest of the meat sauce evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything. This layering method keeps each bite balanced and full of flavor.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the lasagna tightly with foil that has been lightly greased (to prevent sticking) and bake for 55 minutes. Once done, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the lasagna to set up so slices hold beautifully. When ready to serve, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley gives the dish a bright, fresh touch that contrasts with the rich cheese and meat. If you like, a little extra grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds an elegant flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is always a winner for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins. You can also prepare this dish in disposable foil pans for potlucks and family gatherings—easy to transport and just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers store wonderfully in the fridge—cover tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it great for enjoying later as leftovers.
Freezing
This Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave on medium power or warm in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. To prevent drying, add a sprinkle of water on top before reheating and cover with foil if using the oven.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite cooked veggies. Use vegetable broth or tomato sauce with herbs to keep it flavorful.
Do I have to use no-boil noodles?
No, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to boil them according to package instructions before assembling. The no-boil noodles save time and help keep the layers nice and moist.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it the day before and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta—just blend it slightly for a smoother texture if you prefer. The taste will be similar, and the cheese mixture will still be creamy.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat after browning and avoid using watery fresh tomatoes in the sauce. Simmering the sauce properly and using the right cheese ratios helps keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delightful and simple Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe that delivers all the comfort and flavor of classic lasagna with half the effort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe promises to satisfy those cheesy, meaty cravings and quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try, and get ready for some seriously happy taste buds!
Print
Lazy Day Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Lazy Day Lasagna recipe is a comforting and delicious twist on traditional lasagna that saves time by using oven-ready no-boil noodles. Packed with savory ground beef, rich ricotta, and three types of cheeses, it’s layered perfectly and baked to bubbly perfection — an ideal meal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional
- 1 ¾ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (¾ cup mixed into cheese mixture, 1 cup for topping)
- 12 oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to ensure the lasagna doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 diced large onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbled and onions soften. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste into the beef mixture. Mix well, then pour in 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. Add 2 cups ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Spoon and spread half the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add another 4 noodles on top. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, then add the last 4 noodles. Top with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with foil that has been lightly greased (to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use oven-ready no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and skip the need to pre-cook pasta.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
- Brown sugar added to the sauce balances acidity from the tomato sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make sure to grease the foil before covering to avoid cheese sticking to it.
