If you are craving a rich, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. This lasagna brings together savory Italian sausage, hearty ground beef, and tender mushrooms layered with creamy ricotta and plenty of gooey mozzarella. What makes it truly special is the convenience of oven-ready noodles—no boiling required—making your dinner simpler to prepare without sacrificing any flavor or texture. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward but essential, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the robust meat sauce simmering with Italian seasoning, to the creamy ricotta mix with fresh basil zest, every component adds depth and warmth to the final dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and helps develop the rich meat sauce.
- Small yellow onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness after gentle cooking, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauces.
- Baby bella mushrooms (finely chopped): Introduces earthiness and a tender bite that complements the meats.
- Mild Italian sausage (½ pound): Brings savory seasoning and juicy texture to the meat layer.
- Ground beef, 85/15 (½ pound): Adds richness and heartiness that makes the lasagna filling so filling.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): The tomato base that infuses the whole dish with classic Italian flavor.
- Tomato sauce (8 ounces): Thickens and adds depth for a luscious sauce consistency.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity with a slight sweetness that enhances the sauce.
- Nutmeg (pinch): A small touch of warmth that deepens the ricotta mixture’s flavor.
- Salt (divided, 1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for seasoning layers perfectly.
- Black pepper (divided, ¾ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spice and brightness.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (2 cups): Creamy and mild, it smooths out the lasagna layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Gives a salty, nutty kick to the ricotta filling.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Brings freshness and a vibrant green pop.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta filling for perfect texture.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional): Brightens up the ricotta with a subtle citrus aroma.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles (8 ounces): No boiling needed—these noodles save time and help create neat layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy top and gooey layers.
How to Make Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to make sure it’s hot and ready when your layers are assembled. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so your lasagna won’t stick and will slide out easily when it’s done.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Meats
Heat olive oil over medium heat, then add diced onion, chopped mushrooms, Italian sausage, and ground beef. Cook everything together, breaking up the meat so it browns evenly, for about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat—this step is key to keeping the sauce from getting greasy.
Step 3: Build the Meat Sauce
Next, stir in marinara and tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning, brown sugar, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens just a bit, about 7-8 minutes. This simmering step intensifies flavors and melds the ingredients beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, chopped basil, egg, lemon zest if using, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This silky ricotta blend adds both richness and freshness to the layers, balancing the robust meat sauce.
Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna
Start by spreading one-third of the meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared dish. Layer half the lasagna noodles on top, breaking them as needed to fit neatly. Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella. Repeat this process another time: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, and finish with the last one-third of meat sauce. Top it all off with the remaining mozzarella for a satisfyingly cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake with Care
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 35 minutes, which steams everything while melding flavors. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese. For an extra-special golden crust, broil for 3-4 minutes at the end—but keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes. This rest time helps it set up for clean slices and lets the flavors settle. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
How to Serve Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled atop the lasagna add brightness and a beautiful contrast to the golden cheese crust. You can also dust a little extra grated Parmesan or drizzle a tiny bit of good olive oil for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette for refreshing balance, or classic garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make a lovely, colorful accompaniment that won’t overwhelm the rich flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For get-togethers, serve individual portions straight from the baking dish in pretty ramekins or small cast iron skillets—everyone loves a personal lasagna! You could also layer this recipe in smaller loaf pans and freeze singles for easy future meals that feel homemade and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just cover tightly to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
This Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe is freezer-friendly! Assemble the lasagna as directed but freeze before baking, covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—just bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time and keeping it covered until mostly heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave single slices for a quicker lunch fix, but the oven method keeps the layers moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with provolone for a sharper bite or fontina for extra creaminess. Just keep the total cheese quantity similar for best texture and melt.
Do I have to use Italian sausage, or can I substitute it?
You can swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or leave it out entirely if you prefer a vegetarian twist—just add more mushrooms or veggies to keep it hearty.
What if I don’t have oven-ready noodles?
If you don’t have oven-ready noodles, you can quickly boil regular lasagna noodles before layering, but this recipe is designed to save time by skipping that step.
Is it possible to make this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, you can create a similarly delicious lasagna that fits dairy-free diets. Just be mindful of the textures as they might differ slightly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free oven-ready noodles available at many stores, and ensure any packaged sauces don’t contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a steaming, cheesy pan of homemade lasagna to bring everyone to the table with smiles—and this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe makes it easier than ever. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a classic Italian comfort food any night of the week without stress. Give it a try, and soon it might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy no-boil lasagna recipe features layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Using oven-ready noodles simplifies the process, making it a perfect comforting meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 4 ounces baby bella mushrooms (finely chopped)
- ½ pound mild Italian sausage
- ½ pound 85/15 ground beef
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
- Pinch nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (divided)
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped basil (plus more for serving)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon, optional)
Other
- 8 ounces oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, mushrooms, sausage, and ground beef. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, egg, lemon zest (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the oven-ready noodles over the sauce, breaking them if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat with another one-third of the meat sauce, the remaining noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the last one-third of meat sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and start to brown. Optionally, broil for 3-4 minutes to achieve a golden top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Garnish with additional chopped basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Using oven-ready noodles eliminates the need to boil pasta before assembling the lasagna, saving time and simplifying preparation.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork or turkey.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely golden crust to the cheese topping.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier.
- Fresh basil as a garnish adds a bright herbaceous flavor and visual appeal.
