No Boil Lasagna

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This No Boil Lasagna is the ultimate cozy dinner that skips the hassle without sacrificing comfort. With layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey cheese, this dish delivers the full lasagna experience—minus the boiling. It’s oven-ready and weeknight-approved, making it a lifesaver when time is tight but you still want something homemade and satisfying.

The magic of this recipe lies in the oven-ready noodles that absorb all the savory flavors as they bake. Each bite melts together into tender pasta, rich marinara, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving a big family meal, hosting a casual dinner, or just batch cooking for leftovers, this lasagna brings bold Italian flavor with a fraction of the effort.

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What Kind of Lasagna Noodles Should I Use?

For this no boil version, you’ll want to use oven-ready lasagna noodles. These are specifically designed to cook through during baking by absorbing moisture from the sauce and cheese. Traditional dried noodles won’t soften properly unless pre-boiled and can result in a tough or chewy texture.

It’s important to layer the noodles properly, fully covered in sauce, to ensure even cooking. Brands like Barilla and De Cecco offer reliable oven-ready options that hold their shape well without becoming mushy.

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Ingredients for the No Boil Lasagna

Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
These are essential for skipping the boiling step while still delivering perfectly tender layers.

Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage)
Adds savory depth and protein to the hearty tomato meat sauce.

Marinara Sauce
A rich, tomato-based sauce that provides moisture for the noodles to soften as they bake.

Ricotta Cheese
The creamy layer that adds smoothness and helps bind everything together with subtle flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully to give that stretchy, golden topping everyone loves in lasagna.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a nutty, salty punch and layers well with mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Egg
Helps set the ricotta mixture so it doesn’t spill out when slicing.

Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder
Boosts flavor in both the meat and cheese layers with warm, herby undertones.

Fresh Parsley (optional)
A bright finish that adds freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.

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How To Make the No Boil Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and season with garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a handful of grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be your rich and fluffy cheese layer.

Step 3: Layer the Lasagna

Start by spreading a generous spoonful of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down a single layer of oven-ready noodles. Top with a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—until you reach the top. Finish with a hearty amount of meat sauce and a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set perfectly.

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How to Serve and Store No Boil Lasagna

No Boil Lasagna is best served warm and freshly baked, with the cheesy top still bubbling and golden. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes after baking to make slicing neater and easier. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

For storing, cover any leftovers with foil or transfer them into airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, pop a slice in the microwave with a splash of water and cover to maintain moisture. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use regular lasagna noodles?

Traditional noodles require boiling before layering. If used dry in this recipe, they likely won’t soften completely, resulting in an unpleasant, chewy texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the meat or substitute it with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

You can! For a lighter, slightly tangier version, use small curd cottage cheese in place of ricotta. It works well in baked layers.

How do I avoid watery lasagna?

Make sure your sauce is thick and not too runny. Also, let the lasagna rest after baking—this helps it set and reduces excess moisture.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, simply assemble in two 9×13 pans or use a deep roasting pan. You may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

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Want More Pasta Comfort Food Recipes?

If you loved this no boil lasagna, don’t miss out on these other cozy, flavor-packed pasta dishes from Life with Nina:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a bold, cheesy twist on a classic.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you want indulgence with a hint of elegance.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
• One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta with zesty ranch flair in every bite.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for an all-in-one skillet meal that’s ready in minutes.

Whether you’re a fan of one-skillet meals or indulgent oven-bakes, these recipes are perfect for switching things up while staying in your pasta comfort zone.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

Tried this no boil lasagna? I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you go meatless? Add extra cheese? Let me know in the comments below.

Sharing your tweaks and results helps inspire others to make it their own—because every kitchen has its own magic.

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