Lazy Lasagna

A square serving of lasagna on a spatula.

5 from 4 votes

Lazy Lasagna is an easy twist on an Italian favorite! It requires 6 simple ingredients and in one 1 hour, you'll be in comfort-food heaven!

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: beef, pasta

Servings: Servings

Calories: 360kcal

Ingredients

3 pounds ground beef
1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
seasoning salt or salt and black pepper amount as desired
50-60 ounces marinara sauce see note
10-12 ounces egg noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings: parmesan cheese and fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cook noodles in boiling salted water 2-3 minutes less than the package calls for al dente (tender) pasta. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, crumble and cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease in a colander or with a paper towel.
Stir in seasonings, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a 13”x9” pan or 2 9”x9” pans.
Top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes or until the cheese is browned and mixture bubbling.
Serve topped with parmesan cheese, sliced fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips and Substitutions

- Sauce Amount: The amount of moisture noodles or pasta will absorb depends on the brand and amount used. You can start with 50 ounces sauce and add more if desired. If freezing or making ahead of time, opt for more. You can also serve additional marinara sauce on the side.

- Par-cook the pasta. You will want to cook your noodles 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The noodles will continue cooking in the oven until they are perfect.

- Mozzarella Varieties. Most pre-shredded bags of mozzarella have a coating on it that prevents the cheese from melting as nicely. Ideally, shred a fresh block of mozzarella. Alternatively, use a high-quality pre-shredded bag of cheese.

- Meat Options: We love the heartiness and simplicity of lean ground beefing this recipe. However, you can opt for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative. You can also substitute some of the beef with Italian sausage!

- Cheese Options: Feel free to add as much cheese as you'd like, or even experiment with different types of cheese like ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

- Vegetables: Incorporate extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

- Extra Flavor: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, minced garlic cloves, onion powder, or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

Storage Instructions

This easy lazy lasagna recipe is an excellent make ahead dish! It's great to divide into two 9 x 9-inch pans, bake one for dinner, and freeze the other for later.

If freezing the casserole unbaked, leave the mozzarella cheese off before freezing. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the cheese, and bake according to directions. If baking straight from the refrigerator, add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Store any baked lasagna leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You can freeze baked lasagna for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. Serve additional marinara sauce on the side if the noodles soak up more sauce than desired.

Nutrition