This dish brings all the rich, cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna without the complicated assembly. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and requires fewer dishes—making cleanup just as easy as the prep. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies, and it’s a guaranteed family favorite that reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta (such as rotini, penne, or broken lasagna noodles) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional) ricotta cheese shredded mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese marinara or pasta sauce olive oil garlic salt black pepper Italian seasoning fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic. If using meat, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce, and dollops of ricotta. Mix gently.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and total bake time is 30–35 minutes. Including cooling, the total time is around 50 minutes.
Variations
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini slices or spaghetti squash.
Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Extra Creamy: Mix a little cream cheese into the ricotta for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. This dish also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Lazy Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What’s the best pasta for Lazy Lasagna?
Rotini, penne, or broken lasagna noodles all work well and hold the sauce nicely.
Can I skip the ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute with cottage cheese or omit it entirely if preferred.
How do I keep it from drying out in the oven?
Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture.
Is Lazy Lasagna freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality marinara or pasta sauce for the best flavor.
Can I make it in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, you can finish everything on the stovetop, then sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
What cheese blend works best?
A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives the best creamy and melty texture.
Can I add eggs to the ricotta mixture?
Yes, adding one egg to the ricotta can help it set better when baked, but it’s optional.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add a splash of sauce or water, cover, and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Lazy Lasagna is the perfect solution when you’re craving the taste of traditional lasagna without all the work. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you get a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Make it your own with favorite add-ins, and enjoy the convenience of this quick and cozy dinner any night of the week.
Lazy Lasagna is a simplified version of the classic lasagna dish, offering all the rich, cheesy, and saucy flavor with a fraction of the effort. Using cooked pasta, marinara, ricotta, and melty cheeses, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food fast.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings
Category:Pasta
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or broken lasagna noodles)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. If using, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce mixture, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Gently toss to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use any short pasta that holds sauce well.Skip the meat for a vegetarian version and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.For extra creaminess, stir some cream cheese into the ricotta.Make it ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.This dish freezes well before or after baking.
