Lasagna, the Italian classic, is a dish cherished for its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory fillings. However, traditional lasagna recipes often involve a significant amount of time and effort in preparation. For those craving the comforting flavors of lasagna without the labor-intensive process, fear not! Enter the lazy lasagna – a simplified yet equally satisfying version of the beloved dish. In this article, we’ll explore a delightful lazy lasagna recipe that delivers all the taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients: To create a mouthwatering lazy lasagna, you’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage (vegetarian substitutes like lentils or mushrooms can be used)
- One jar (24-ounce) of marinara sauce
- One package (9-ounce) of no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- One teaspoon of dried oregano
- One teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat and garlic. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the lazy lasagna! Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, covering it completely.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all the ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna noodles are tender.
- Once done, remove the lazy lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy Your Effortless Feast: There you have it – a delicious lazy lasagna that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor! This simplified recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Feel free to customize your lazy lasagna by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini or experimenting with different cheeses for a unique twist. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef looking for a convenient dinner option, this lazy lasagna recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Buon appetito!
