Today I will show you how to make lasagna with oven-ready noodles in just 45 minutes.
Lasagna is a delicious Italian dish that can be made with either traditional lasagna noodles or oven-ready noodles.
The process is even simpler if you’re using oven-ready noodles since there’s no need to precook them. Just follow the easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious lasagna on the table!
What is the best way to make lasagna?
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that can be made in endless ways. However, a few key ingredients are essential for a truly authentic lasagna. First, you need to start with a good-quality tomato sauce. This can be homemade or store-bought, but it should be thick and flavorful.
Next, you’ll need fresh sheets of lasagna pasta. These can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Once you have your sauce and pasta, the next step is to add the filling.
This can be anything from simple ricotta and mozzarella to a more complex mix of vegetables and meats.
The final step is to top the lasagna with a layer of cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can create a delicious lasagna that will satisfy even the most demanding foodie with these simple ingredients.
How long does it take to make lasagna with oven-ready noodles?
This recipe for lasagna with oven-ready noodles should take about 45 minutes to make. This includes the time it takes to preheat your oven and cook the ground beef and onions. Assembling the lasagna dish itself should only take 10 minutes or so.
The lasagna will then need to be baked for 25 minutes. Finally, you should let the dish sit for 10 more minutes before serving to allow everything to set.
Lasagna with Oven-Ready Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 package Lasagna noodles, oven-ready (16 ounces)
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Chopped onion
- 1 jar Spaghetti sauce (26 ounces)
- 1 Tomato paste (6-ounce can)
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 4 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook lasagna noodles for about 8 minutes.
- Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned.
- Drain fat, and stir in spaghetti sauce and tomato paste. Mix in water, salt, and pepper.
To assemble:
- Spread 1/2 cup of sauce over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange 6 noodles over the sauce, overlapping as necessary.
- Spread 1/2 of the remaining sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven or until the top is golden brown. Let lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Tips and tricks for a better lasagna
First of all, if you want a cheesy lasagna, use more cheese! You can never have too much cheese.
- Add some extra ground beef or sausage for a meatier lasagna.
- Use oven-ready noodles to make things easier. No boiling required!
- Make sure to use a good-quality spaghetti sauce. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your lasagna.
- Preheat the oven before assembling the lasagna. This will help it cook evenly.
- To avoid a watery lasagna, don’t overdo it on the water when cooking the noodles.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding it to the sauce.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna, or it will be dry. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving so that it isn’t too hot.
- Serve with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Lasagna is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Freeze leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner down the road.
Finally, this recipe can easily be doubled for a large crowd.
Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped olives, basil, or other herbs for extra flavor.
What is the difference between lasagna noodles and regular noodles?
Lasagna noodles are slightly wider and thinner than regular noodles, and they are also precooked, so you don’t have to boil them before using them. This makes them ideal for use in lasagna, as they will cook evenly and won’t become mushy.
Can I use regular noodles in lasagna?
Yes, you can use regular noodles, but you will need to boil them before using them, and they may not cook as evenly.
Do I need to precook the noodles?
You don’t need to precook the noodles if you are using oven-ready noodles. Just add a little extra sauce to the dish, as the noodles will absorb some of it as they cook.
Can I make lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can make lasagna ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve. Just assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed.
Can I cook the Barilla lasagna instead of this recipe?
If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can cook the Barilla lasagna instead of following this recipe.
However, keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter since the lasagna noodles are already precooked. You’ll also need to use less sauce since there’s no need to precook the noodles. Otherwise, the assembly and ingredients are the same. Enjoy!
Can I add or replace some ingredients?
Of course! Lasagna is a very versatile dish, so feel free to add or replace ingredients as you see fit. For example, you could use ground turkey instead of beef or add some veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Get creative and make the dish your own!
Things to serve this lasagna recipe
- Fresh garlic bread: Slice a loaf of French bread half lengthwise. Spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with garlic salt. Place on a baking sheet, and broil for a few minutes until bread is toasted. Cut into pieces, and serve alongside lasagna.
- Green salad: Toss together some chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Italian dressing. Serve as a refreshing side dish to lasagna.
- Fruit salad: Mix your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, grapes, and oranges. Add a little bit of sugar and lemon juice, and mix gently. Serve as a light and refreshing dessert after lasagna.
Can I store this recipe?
Yes, you can store lasagna in the refrigerator for four days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Things to take care of before storing this lasagna recipe:
- Let the lasagna cool completely before storing it.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- Label the dish with the date it was made and when it needs to be eaten.
- Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for four days.
Final Words
So, do you already know how to make lasagna with oven-ready noodles? Please, feel free to leave your comments and opinion below!
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