Easy Lasagna Recipe (No Boil Noodles)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna stands out because it’s both delicious and easy to make. Using no-boil noodles saves time and reduces mess. The combination of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage delivers rich, hearty flavor, while the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create the perfect cheesy texture. Plus, relying on store-bought sauce keeps it convenient without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals ahead, this recipe is a reliable favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
½ pound sweet Italian sausage
1 teaspoon minced garlic
48 ounces spaghetti sauce (your favorite sauce)
15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley or 4 tablespoons freshly snipped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
12 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
¼ cup water (optional, depending on sauce consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and spaghetti sauce, then simmer for 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, eggs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. To assemble, spread ¾ cup of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cover with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles. Layer ⅓ of the cheese mixture and then ¼ of the sauce over the noodles.

5. Repeat the layers twice more: noodles, cheese mixture, sauce.

6. Top with the remaining 3 noodles, the rest of the sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

7. If your sauce is thick and hearty, add ½ cup of water to the edges of the pan. For thinner sauces, you may skip or reduce the water.

8. Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the baking dish with the foil, sprayed side down to prevent sticking.

9. Bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 15

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Resting time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use a marinara sauce instead of meat sauce.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.

• Cheese lovers: Add extra layers of mozzarella or a mix of provolone and fontina cheeses.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free no-boil noodles or thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as noodle substitutes.

• Healthier option: Use low-fat cheeses and ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350ºF oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely to retain moisture. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What are no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles are pre-cooked and dried pasta sheets that soften during baking, eliminating the need to boil before assembling lasagna.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake as directed when ready.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well as a substitute and offers a slightly different texture but similar flavor.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

Use a thick spaghetti sauce and avoid adding too much water. If your sauce is thin, add water sparingly. Also, draining the cooked meats well helps reduce excess liquid.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely, lasagna freezes well. Freeze before or after baking in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.

Can I use homemade sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade sauce works great. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid a soggy lasagna.

Is it necessary to let lasagna rest before serving?

Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans as needed.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna recipe with no-boil noodles is a perfect blend of convenience and classic flavors. Its hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and simple assembly make it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. With minimal prep and no boiling required, it’s a dependable recipe that delivers comforting results every time. Try it out for your next meal and enjoy the satisfying layers of rich sauce, tender noodles, and melty cheese.