Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that can be prepared with minimal effort? This layered oven-ready lasagna is just the ticket. With the convenience of oven-ready noodles, you can skip the boiling step and dive straight into assembling a delightful dish that everyone will love.
Imagine sinking your fork into layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. This lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day!
This recipe is designed to be simple yet full of flavor, making it great for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up a lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Layered Ingredients for Ultimate Flavor
The heart of this lasagna lies in its harmonious layers. Each component contributes uniquely to the overall taste and texture, creating a delightful experience with every bite.
Start with rich meat sauce made from ground beef or Italian sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic. The marinara sauce, infused with Italian seasoning, brings acidity and depth, balancing the creamy elements perfectly.
Next comes the creamy ricotta mixture, which adds a velvety smoothness that complements the melted mozzarella. Together, these cheeses create a luxurious mouthfeel, making each slice a treat.
Effortless Assembly
One of the joys of this layered lasagna is its simplicity in assembly. Using oven-ready noodles eliminates the need for pre-cooking, allowing for quick layering.
Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in your baking dish, followed by the noodles. Alternate layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce, continuing until all ingredients are used. Top it off with the remaining cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
Perfect Baking Technique
Achieving the perfect lasagna means mastering the baking process. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, allowing the lasagna to cook through without drying out. Remove the foil in the final moments of baking to let the cheese brown beautifully, creating an appealing crust.
Garnishing for Presentation
After baking, allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing. This resting period helps the layers set, ensuring clean cuts.
Add a sprinkle of fresh basil for a touch of color and flavor, making the dish visually inviting. Served alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad, your lasagna becomes a centerpiece that draws everyone to the table.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This lasagna is ideal for gatherings, serving up to eight people comfortably. Pair it with a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
A glass of red wine also complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the dining experience. Whether for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this dish promises satisfaction and smiles.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
This lasagna not only tastes fantastic fresh out of the oven but also makes for excellent leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For a make-ahead option, assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day for a hassle-free meal that tastes just as good, if not better, after the flavors have had time to meld.
Delicious Layered Lasagna with Oven-Ready Noodles
This lasagna features layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all brought together with the ease of oven-ready noodles. Each bite is a comforting blend of flavors, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
It’s a delightful dish that balances the richness of the cheese with the acidity of the tomato sauce, creating a taste that is both hearty and fulfilling.
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer three oven-ready noodles on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g