9 Easy Best Lasagna Recipes for Busy Weeknights


Imagine a cozy evening, the aroma of warm lasagna wafting through your home, evoking memories of family gatherings and comfort food. With busy weeknights, though, you might think homemade lasagna is off the table. However, there are plenty of easy recipes that cater to your schedule while delivering delicious layers of flavor. From classic meat versions to creative twists, you’ll discover options that fit every taste and time constraint. Ready to explore these satisfying meals?

Classic Meat Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through.
  4. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce; let it simmer for a few minutes.
  6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
  7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a third of the remaining meat sauce.
  9. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
  10. Top with the final layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  12. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Dig into this comforting classic and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!

Vegetarian Lasagna With Spinach and Ricotta

Indulge in a creamy, cheesy vegetarian delight with this Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  5. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
  6. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
  7. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Dig into this delicious lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!

One-Pan Lasagna

One-Pan Lasagna: All the cheesy goodness you love, made easy in just one dish!

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce, and season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
  5. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
  6. Once the noodles are cooked, dollop the ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your easy, delicious one-pan lasagna!

Dig in and savor the simplicity of this hearty dish!

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Start by cooking the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker.
  4. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them if necessary to fit.
  5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a layer of marinara sauce.
  6. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the cheese is bubbly and the noodles are tender.
  8. Once done, let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Dig into this delicious, cheesy lasagna that’s sure to make your weeknight dinners a breeze!

Instant Pot Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup water

How to Make:

  1. Start by turning on your Instant Pot and selecting the sauté function. Brown the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well and then set aside.
  3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Break the lasagna noodles in half and layer them in the pot. Alternate layers of the meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up, finishing with mozzarella on top.
  5. Pour the water into the pot, making sure it’s not on top of the cheese to avoid burning. Close the lid and seal the vent.
  6. Set to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
  7. Carefully open the lid, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Top with grated Parmesan for an extra touch.

Dig into this delicious Instant Pot lasagna that’s ready to impress in no time!

White Chicken Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cups spinach, fresh or thawed
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then layer half of the chicken mixture, half of the spinach, and a third of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers: 3 noodles, the remaining chicken mixture, the rest of the spinach, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
  7. Finish with 3 more noodles, the remaining Alfredo sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Dig into this creamy, cheesy delight, and enjoy every comforting bite of your White Chicken Lasagna!

Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of salsa. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Spread a layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles.
  6. Spread half of the sour cream and a layer of cheese over the noodles.
  7. Repeat the layers: meat mixture, noodles, sour cream, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining salsa, and cheese on top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Dive into this zesty Mexican Lasagna and enjoy a fiesta on your plate!

Zucchini Lasagna

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium zucchinis
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that heat going!
  2. Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This will be your “noodle” layer.
  3. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
  5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  6. Start layering: place zucchini strips, then add half of the meat mixture, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
  7. Repeat the layers, finishing with zucchini and marinara on top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve.

Dig into this delicious, guilt-free zucchini lasagna that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Lasagna Roll-Ups

Ingredients:

  • 8 lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Take a lasagna noodle, spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture on it, and roll it up tightly.
  6. Place the roll-up seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all noodles.
  7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups and sprinkle with extra mozzarella if desired.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Dig into these delightful lasagna roll-ups, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s as fun to make as it’s to eat!

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