Post Title: Lazy Lasagna Love Affair: Easy, Quick and Delicious!
Introduction:
Experience the taste of traditional lasagna with less stress and time with this Lazy Lasagna recipe. Perfect for anyone who is always on the move or does not have the luxury of time but craves a heartwarming dish that is packed with tons of flavor and cheese!
Why Make This Recipe:
This easy Lazy Lasagna recipe retains all the essential elements of a regular lasagna — the cheesy, saucy, meaty goodness–but takes considerably less time and effort. By using a few shortcuts, like breaking up the traditional lasagna noodles instead of layering them, you can enjoy this classic Italian favorite any night of the week.
How to Make Lazy Lasagna Love Affair:
Ingredients:
– 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. In a large baking dish, layer the broken lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and cooked meat.
4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
5. Add a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Lazy Lasagna Love Affair:
Serve this dish warm from the oven and garnish with fresh basil for an enhanced flavor and aesthetic appeal. A crunchy side salad or garlic bread complement this hearty lasagna perfectly.
How to Store Lazy Lasagna:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze this dish. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Tips to Make Lazy Lasagna Love Affair:
– Cook the noodles al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the flavorful sauce.
– Use a blend of cheeses for a richer and more complex flavor.
– For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add roasted vegetables or spinach.
Variation:
For a unique variation, try using chicken or turkey instead of the traditional beef or Italian sausage.
FAQs:
1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni.
2. What can I use as a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a good substitute for ricotta cheese in this recipe.
3. Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles before assembling the dish?
Yes, it’s essential to cook the lasagna noodles to ensure they’re soft and fully cooked after baking.