Easy Prep Lasagna

Lasagna is one of my favorite dishes. It’s not something that I make at home very often though because it can take longer than I’m willing to spend preparing it. I tried a few versions of “quick and easy” lasagna recipes, but they were lacking or they really weren’t particularly quick and easy. So, I combined a few different recipe ideas and made my own. It really is easy and the preparation doesn’t take long. I’ve learned that there is no substitute for the amount of cooking time. It’s going to take a while to bake, but it’s worth it.

Lasagna or Lasagne? An interesting note I found about this states that only in North America will it be spelled lasagna. English speaking people outside of North America spell it lasagne. Who knew? I do now!

Prep time takes only about 15 minutes. There’s no need to boil the noodles, beat eggs or blend lots of items together. I use pre-made sauce, so that cuts out lots of prep time, too.  Once it’s in the baking dish, pop it in the oven and there is no need to check on it for 45 minutes. 

 

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 14 oz jars of Ragu Pizza Quick Sauce
1 15oz tub ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp basil
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1/4 cup hot water

 

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 375
Brown ground beef, combined with diced onions
Coat a 9×13 baking dish with Pam
Add sauce to ground beef and onion mixture
Add garlic powder and basil to mixture
Spread 1/3 of the mixture in prepared pan
Add three noodles over the top
Spread 1/2 of the ricotta cheese over noodles
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top
Repeat sauce, noodles, ricotta and mozzarella layers
Top with remaining sauce/meat mixture
Pour 1/4 cup of water between the sides of the pan and the lasagna

Bake:
Cover with heavy duty foil. I used two layers.
Place in 375 degree oven
Bake for 45 minutes
Remove from oven and remove foil
Return to oven for 10 minutes
Remove from oven and allow it to set for 10 minutes
Top with Grated Parmesan if desired

 

I will say that it is not the prettiest lasagna I’ve ever seen, but it is delicious! For an easy dinner at home, that’s what matters to me.

Neither my husband nor I like foods that are all spiced up, but I’m sure if you prefer that, you could add more of your favorite Italian seasonings to the sauce/meat mixture.

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Easy Prep Lasagna

One day, I might learn how to cook for just two people, but for now, it means we always have lots of leftovers. This dish is very good reheated.

 

We’ll be sharing at lots of these great parties.