If you’ve ever thought lasagna was a complicated, time-consuming dish, think again! This Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe is here to change the game. It’s a show-stopper that layers rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly tender noodles without the fuss of boiling those noodles first. Every bite bursts with flavor and comforting textures, making it a perfect go-to for family dinners or sharing with friends. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding creaminess, or offering that melty, cheesy goodness that lasagna lovers crave. Plus, these staples are easy to find and come together with minimal effort.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and meat, it brings out a rich base flavor.
- Small yellow onion (diced): Adds a sweet and savory backbone to the sauce layer.
- Baby bella mushrooms (finely chopped): Provide umami depth and a hint of earthiness.
- Mild Italian sausage: Contributes a subtle spice and juicy texture to the meat sauce.
- Ground beef (85/15): Adds hearty richness and balances the sausage flavor.
- Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): The flavorful tomato base that ties everything together.
- Tomato sauce (8-ounce can): Helps thicken the sauce and adds smoothness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian taste.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity from the tomatoes.
- Nutmeg (pinch): Adds a warm, unexpected layer of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese (2 cups): For that creamy, luscious texture between the layers.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Delivers a sharp, nutty punch to the cheese mixture.
- Finely chopped basil (¼ cup plus more for serving): Brings fresh herbaceous brightness.
- Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture to make it smooth and sturdy.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the cheese layer.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles (8 ounces): Skip the boiling! These soak up sauce while baking for tender layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Provides that gooey, melty, irresistible topping.
How to Make Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it nice and hot. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so your lasagna layers don’t stick. This simple prep step ensures a smooth release once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and add the diced onion, finely chopped mushrooms, mild Italian sausage, and ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking for about 7-8 minutes until everything’s nicely browned and fragrant. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a cleaner sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, nutmeg, and most of the salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 7-8 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is where magic happens—the sauce comes alive with rich, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce simmers, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, basil, egg, lemon zest if you’re using it, along with the remaining salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir it all until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a luscious, velvety texture to each lasagna layer that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna
Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared dish. Next, layer half of the oven-ready noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers once more—more sauce, the rest of the noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture—and finish by spreading the last third of meat sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface for that golden, cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake and Brown the Top
Cover your beautifully assembled lasagna with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and starts to turn a lovely light golden color. For a perfectly bubbly and browned top, pop it under the broiler for 3-4 minutes—just keep a watchful eye to prevent burning!
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, it’s super important to let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This little waiting game helps the layers set up nicely so that each slice holds together beautifully. Before serving, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Serve Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on the top adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that complements the savory richness of the lasagna perfectly. A little grating of Parmesan cheese on top never hurts either for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a classic side that delivers buttery crunch to soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For informal gatherings, try serving this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe family style straight from the baking dish with serving spoons. For a more polished look, cut neat squares and plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or fresh herb oil. You can even offer small individual casserole dishes for personal servings that look impressive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This lasagna holds up really well in the fridge. Store any leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled lasagna by wrapping it extremely well with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara on top helps keep it moist during reheating so it feels just as fresh.
FAQs
Do I really not need to boil the noodles?
That’s right! Oven-ready noodles in this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe soften beautifully while baking thanks to the moisture from the sauce and cheese layers. Just be sure to have plenty of sauce to help them cook through perfectly.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap out the sausage and ground beef for your favorite vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even lentils for a plant-based twist that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
Is lemon zest necessary in the ricotta mixture?
Nope, it’s totally optional, but it adds a subtle brightness that lifts the richness of the cheese layer, making each bite feel light and fresh.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just substitute the oven-ready lasagna noodles with gluten-free no-boil noodles. These work the same way and maintain the ease of this recipe without compromising texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead—just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it when ready. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Easy No-Boil Lasagna Recipe is like inviting comfort, warmth, and family-style joy to your dinner table without hours of prep or fuss. It’s one of those dishes that fills the house with irresistible aromas and fills your heart with satisfaction. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite lasagna that’s simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to savor every bite.
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 layers savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying Italian classic. Made with simple ingredients and oven-ready noodles, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
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
Ricotta 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)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 8 ounces oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, chopped mushrooms, mild Italian sausage, and ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, for 7-8 minutes until meat is fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 7-8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, egg, lemon zest (if using), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the oven-ready noodles on top, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering: spread another one-third of meat sauce, layer the remaining noodles, spread the remaining ricotta mixture, and top with remaining one-third of meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the last 1 cup of mozzarella over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to meld the flavors and cook the noodles through.
- Bake Uncovered and Broil: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden and slightly crisp top, broil for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before slicing and serving for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling and simplify prep.
- Brown the meats thoroughly for best flavor and texture.
- Broiling step is optional but adds a beautifully browned cheese crust.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold together better.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
