Lasagna is a classic comfort food loved by many. With its layers of noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce, it makes for a hearty meal. This 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna is an easy way to enjoy this favorite dish without too much effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe delivers delicious flavor with minimal ingredients.
Why Make This Recipe
Making lasagna can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the ingredients and steps involved. However, this simplified recipe uses just five main ingredients, making it straightforward and quick. You get all the great taste of traditional lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fun dish to share, and everyone will love it!
How to Make 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 raw dry lasagna noodles, broken to fit the dish
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the pasta sauce and let it warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch glass casserole dish. Add a layer of broken raw lasagna noodles, then dollop some ricotta on top, spoon over more sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna
Serve this lasagna hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad and some garlic bread. Cut it into squares and enjoy each cheesy, meaty layer. You can sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.
How to Store 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna
If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna
- Ensure the meat is well-cooked before adding the sauce.
- You can break the noodles into smaller pieces to fit any size dish.
- Make sure to layer enough sauce so that the noodles cook properly while baking.
- Let the lasagna rest before serving to help it hold its shape when sliced.
Variation
You can easily customize this lasagna. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between the layers for extra nutrition. Swap out the meat for a vegetarian option like lentils or mushrooms to make it meat-free.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your preference.
2. How long does it take to bake from frozen?
If baking from frozen, it usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Make sure to cover it with foil for the first part of baking.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make 5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna!
5-Ingredient Oven National Pasta Day Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and let it warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a deep 9x13-inch glass casserole dish.
- Add a layer of broken raw lasagna noodles, then dollop some ricotta on top, spoon over more sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
