Lazy Lasagna

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Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. This Lazy Lasagna delivers all the rich, cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna without the layers of work. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves to eat well with minimal prep, this dish is your shortcut to a cozy, satisfying meal. One bite and you’ll be hooked on how effortless it is to bring homemade Italian flavor to the table.

The beauty of Lazy Lasagna lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to boil noodles, make separate sauces, or spend an hour layering everything just right. Instead, everything goes into one dish—and the oven does the heavy lifting. It’s also a great way to use pantry staples and stretch ingredients into a hearty, family-sized dinner.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Lazy Lasagna?

Traditional lasagna noodles are great, but for this lazy version, opt for short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or even bowties. These shapes hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the oven. Plus, you skip the boiling step if you use oven-ready or no-boil pasta. This switch keeps things stress-free while still delivering that lasagna taste and texture you crave.

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Ingredients for the Lazy Lasagna

Ground Beef – Brings richness and depth to the dish, forming the savory base.

Marinara Sauce – A jar of your favorite marinara simplifies the process while packing bold flavor.

Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and that classic lasagna filling feel.

Mozzarella Cheese – For melty, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.

Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of this adds salty, nutty balance.

Pasta – Use oven-ready short pasta like penne or rotini for structure and ease.

Italian Seasoning – Brings all the herby notes of classic Italian cooking without the fuss.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – For simple seasoning that boosts flavor fast.

Olive Oil – To sauté the beef and lock in flavor.

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How To Make the Lazy Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Seasoning

Pour in your marinara sauce, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Ricotta

Stir the ricotta cheese into the meat sauce until it’s well incorporated. This step adds a creamy layer without needing to fuss with traditional lasagna layering.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked oven-ready pasta with the meat and ricotta mixture. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated in sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese Layers

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the pasta is tender. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.

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Serving and Storing Lazy Lasagna

Serve Lazy Lasagna hot from the oven with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side for a full, comforting meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing for future cravings.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze individual portions for a ready-to-go meal anytime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter texture. Just make sure to drain it a bit so your dish doesn’t get watery.

Do I have to cook the pasta first?

Nope! That’s the lazy part. Using oven-ready pasta means it will cook perfectly in the sauce while baking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What other cheeses work well?

Feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of creamy goat cheese for a fun twist.

Is it okay to freeze Lazy Lasagna?

Yes! It freezes well before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this cheesy, low-effort take on lasagna, you might enjoy these pasta favorites too:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in sausage or add spinach? Did you try a different pasta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more easy and delicious ideas over on my Pinterest board, Life with Nina.

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