Description
a handy cooking method that streamlines lasagna preparation. It highlights the use of no-boil noodles to reduce cooking time and simplify the process, while still achieving a tasty, layered dish. The piece also offers tips on choosing ingredients and assembling the lasagna, making it easy for home cooks to elevate their lasagna-making game.
Ingredients
No-boil lasagna noodles
Ground beef or plant-based meat
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Marinara sauce
Fresh spinach
Sliced mushrooms
Diced bell peppers
Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or plant-based meat. Drain excess fat.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, and Italian seasoning.
Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by no-boil noodles, the meat mixture, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Cool & Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- No-Boil Noodles: Ensure you use quality no-boil lasagna noodles for the best texture and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Sauce Choices: Homemade marinara can enhance the dish, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Storage: Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (25 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered).
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or plant-based meat over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with fresh spinach and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix well. Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of no-boil noodles over the sauce. Add a portion of the cooked meat, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, meat, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and mozzarella on top. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Cool & Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 pieces per person
- Calories: 300-400 calories per serving
- Sugar: 5-8 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams per serving
- Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
- Fiber: 2-5 grams per serving
- Protein: 20-30 grams per serving
- Cholesterol: 50-80 milligrams per serving
Keywords: Lasagna No-boil noodles Ricotta cheese Marinara sauce Ground beef Vegetarian Italian seasoning Baking Comfort food Layered dish