Easy Lazy Day Lasagna 🍝
A simple and satisfying lasagna recipe, perfect for a relaxed family meal without too much fuss.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 24 ounces marinara sauce your favorite brand
- 10 ounces dry lasagna noodles regular or no-boil work great!
- 1 pound lean ground beef or use half beef, half pork for extra flavor
- ⅔ cup water
- 15 ounces ricotta or cottage cheese container
- 12 ounces mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to a warm 375°F (190°C). Lightly mist a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray for easy serving.
- Sauce the Base: Spoon about ⅔ cup of your marinara sauce onto the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to create a flavorful foundation.
- First Noodle Layer: Lay a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Don't worry if they overlap slightly; they'll soften as they bake.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep your lasagna on the healthier side.
- Build the Meat Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Add the ⅔ cup water to your empty marinara jar, secure the lid, and shake it well to get all the leftover sauce. Pour this into the skillet and stir everything together. Let the meat sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Cheese & Meat Layers (Round 1): Scatter about one-third of the ricotta cheese evenly over your noodle layer. Sprinkle 3 ounces of the mozzarella cheese on top, then spoon about one-third of your savory meat sauce over everything.
- More Noodles: Add another layer of lasagna noodles, gently pressing them down to ensure they are well-nested.
- Repeat the Magic: Repeat step 6 (ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce) two more times, building up delicious layers!
- The Grand Finale: Top your lasagna with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the noodles to become fork-tender with the steam and moisture.
- Golden Finish: Carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest & Serve: This is a key step! Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set, making for cleaner, more appealing slices.
Notes
Enjoy your easy, homemade comfort food!
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories: 431 kcal
Total Carbs: 34 g
Net Carbs: 32 g
Fats: 17 g
Protein: 33 g
Calories: 431 kcal
Total Carbs: 34 g
Net Carbs: 32 g
Fats: 17 g
Protein: 33 g
