One-Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Lazy Lasagna offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with much less fuss. Using no-boil noodles and cooking everything in a single pan, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, cheesy meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 5 cups store-bought marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2 to 3 inch pieces
• 3 cups pre-shredded mozzarella, divided
• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, divided
• 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). In a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 7 to 9 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped basil and stir to combine. Pour in the marinara sauce carefully to avoid splatters. Stir in the butter until melted and season with salt if needed.
2. Step 2: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce is smooth and the noodles begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Dollop half of this ricotta mixture over the pasta in the skillet, then gently fold it into the sauce and noodles without fully mixing it in. Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the edges are bubbly and golden brown spots form on top, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
• Using fresh mozzarella can add extra creaminess but may require slightly longer baking time.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Cover the skillet loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well because of the no-boil noodles and ricotta texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Regular noodles will need to be boiled before adding to the sauce, which changes the process. This recipe works best with no-boil noodles to ensure even cooking in one pot.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the no-boil lasagna noodles for gluten-free no-boil noodles available at many stores. Make sure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

One-Pot Lazy Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 197 reviews

This One-Pot Lazy Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make twist on traditional lasagna. Combining all the layers in a single skillet and baking it together saves time and cleanup, while delivering rich flavors from ground beef, fresh basil, and three kinds of cheese in a creamy marinara sauce. No boiling noodles required, making it a great weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is straightforward to prepare.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Meat and Aromatics

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

Sauce and Cheese

• 5 cups store-bought marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 12 oz. no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2” to 3″ pieces
• 3 cups pre-shredded mozzarella, divided
• 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, divided
• 15 oz. whole-milk ricotta cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat and Brown Beef: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F. In a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 7 to 9 minutes. Season with 1 tsp. kosher salt.
2. Add Garlic and Basil: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then add the fresh basil and stir until combined.
3. Incorporate Sauce and Butter: Carefully pour in the marinara sauce to the skillet, watching for splatter. Stir in the unsalted butter until melted. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
4. Simmer with Pasta and Cheese: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the broken no-boil lasagna noodles, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Cook while stirring until the sauce is smooth and the pasta begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Mix Ricotta and Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
6. Layer Ricotta and Mozzarella: Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in the skillet. Gently fold the pasta and sauce over the dollops to distribute without fully mixing. Add the remaining ricotta mixture in dollops on top, then evenly sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake the Lasagna: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are bubbly and golden brown spots appear on the top cheese layer. Let it rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• No-boil lasagna noodles simplify preparation and reduce cooking time.
• Use a large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan to cook and bake the entire dish in one pot.
• Fresh basil adds fragrance and brightness; can substitute with dried basil but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
• Adjust salt according to your marinara sauce’s sodium content.
• Allow the lasagna to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and better flavor melding.

Keywords: One-Pot Lasagna, Lazy Lasagna, Easy Italian Dinner, No-Boil Noodles, Weeknight Casserole