Make-Ahead Lasagna
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years.
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound johnsonville® ground hot italian sausage
- 12 no-cook lasagna noodles
- Carbohydrate 6.20292715558603 g
- Cholesterol 98.8935676356694 mg
- Fat 9.08210768665944 g
- Fiber 1.16534779519817 g
- Protein 10.7217515031427 g
- Saturated Fat 3.39421879542472 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (137g)
- Sodium 256.372923339565 mg
- Sugar 5.03757936038786 g
- Trans Fat 1.22032207626953 g
- Calories 152 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble beef and sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in marinara and pizza sauces.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley and pepper.
- Spread 1 cup meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
- Layer with four noodles, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, 1 cup meat sauce and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining noodles, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Remove lasagna from refrigerator while oven heats.
- Bake, covered, 45 minutes.
- Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted, 10-15 minutes.
- Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Make-Ahead Lasagna: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic scramble to get something healthy and delicious on the table before bedtime. That's why I absolutely adore make-ahead meals, and this lasagna recipe is my absolute champion. Forget spending hours in the kitchen the night of a dinner party – this lasagna is all about prepping ahead and enjoying the fruits of your labor with minimal fuss later.
The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s a culmination of several recipes I've tweaked and perfected over the years, resulting in a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters. The rich, savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta filling, and the layers of melted mozzarella cheese create a symphony of flavors that are hard to resist. Seriously, just thinking about it makes my mouth water! And the best part? You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and then bake it just before your guests arrive. It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and the perfect solution for effortless entertaining.
I’ve used a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a deeper, more flavorful meat sauce. You can certainly adjust the meat ratio to your liking, or even substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The ricotta cheese mixture is simple yet so effective, adding a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the tangy marinara and the sharp cheddar. I find that using a mix of cheeses adds depth of flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment and use your favourite combination.
What I love most about this lasagna recipe, apart from its incredible taste, is the ease of preparation. There’s no pre-cooking the noodles needed, which saves me valuable time. And the layering process is straightforward and satisfying; the anticipation of watching it all come together in the baking dish is half the fun! The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is divine – an irresistible invitation to dinner. It always brings a sense of warmth and comfort to our family gatherings, creating a sense of togetherness around the table that’s truly invaluable.
The final result is a lasagna that’s both comforting and impressive. The layers are perfectly cooked, the cheese is bubbly and golden, and each bite is a burst of flavour. I always get compliments from guests when I serve this lasagna, and it’s become a staple at our holiday celebrations. Trust me, this make-ahead lasagna is a game-changer, a recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try. You won’t regret it!
Tips for success:
- Use good quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the taste.
- Don't overcook the meat. You want it to be cooked through, but not dry.
- Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully!
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
