Easy Lasagna
Last weekend on our way to the party I realized I forgot my camera. Ahhh!!!! Well technically, I had my camera with me. I forgot the battery…for the camera…in the charger….at home. I was so mad at myself! We stopped at battery store on the way there, but they did not carry the correct one. So all of the amazing pictures I took….are on my friends camera and because of the débâcle and leaving early….I didn’t make it back to get the pics! 🙁
So let me describe the party a bit – the birthday girl Mitzi loves bright colors. We thought it would be fun to have some t-shirts printed with bright happy colors. Each one was printed with a birthday wish and a great picture of Mitzi – super fun! We had 25 printed and everyone at the party wore their t-shirt! We had the party at their home and Mitzi’s garden is absolutely magical! Everyone enjoyed a beverage & their meal, we took a fun group picture, there was no crying, just lots of laughter and fellowship – it was a super fun day!
The lasagna was definitely a hit, but it couldn’t have been easier! I took some shortcuts – some may shake their heads, but if you work too hard, it’s just not fun. My recipe for lasagna is easy and delicious.
I use regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil noodles and I always bake it the day before. Tastes better that way and because we were serving a crowd, allowing it to cool down – it’s easier to slice into portion sizes. That way when you bake it the next day it’s a breeze to serve. I sliced this into 16 servings – this feeds a crowd!
Easy Lasagna
Easy Lasagna
My lasagna is always a hit and it couldn't be easier! I took some shortcuts -but if you work too hard, it's just not fun, right? Enjoy!!
Ingredients
- 2 1 lb. packages lasagna noodles uncooked
- 2 32 oz jars Marinara sauce
- 1 6 oz. pesto jar
- 1 1/2 lb hamburger
- 1 16 oz package sweet Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 32 oz package ricotta cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 6 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Start by browning the hamburger & sausage. Add the onions and saute until the meat is well brown and the onions are soft. Drain off the excess fat and add the garlic. Saute for another minute or so - turn off the pan and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Combine ricotta cheese and eggs and whisk together until light & fluffy. When the meat mixture is cool, add to the cheese and mix well. (If you add the meat before it cools the ricotta cheese will melt and the eggs will scramble!)
- Pour the sauce into a bowl and add a 1/4 cup pesto and 1 cup water to the sauce. Mix to combine.
- Assemble the lasagna - nope - I don't cook the noodles! Start by ladling sauce in the bottom of the lasagna pan. Top with noodles, cheese/meat mixture, sauce, mozzarella cheese, repeat, finishing with sauce on top, dot with mozzarella cheese. Dot with just a touch of pesto on top - just a couple teaspoons (not too much or it will get greasy on top). Cover tightly with tin foil. Sealing it completely.
- Place on a cookie sheet just in case the lasagna bubbles over. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake uncovered until browned and bubbly 20-30 minutes.
- If you are cooking this the day ahead, the next day you will just need to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to take the chill off. Return to the oven - 45-60 minutes until it is headed thru. Allow to sit for 20 minutes prior to serving.
I’ve always thought that leftover lasagna tastes better than the day it is made. But somehow it never crossed my mind to make it the day ahead and just eat it the next day. Genius!
Haha, so true! Plus less work the day of – even better. 😀
Lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd!
Absolutely, it was a great choice!
Lasagna is always better the next day anyway. I almost never serve it on the day I make it, unless I make it early in the morning. I’ve heard of not boiling the noodles but have never tried it. I’ll have to give it a shot one of these days.
Sounds good Christine – it’s the lazy way, but I found it works for me!
This lasagna looks delicious. I love the addition of pesto in your recipe. That must amp up the flavor. I will pin this for later.
Awesome, enjoy Ali!
This is making my mouth water!!!!!! I love doing stuff like this for easy weeknight dinners, your recipe looks so yummy!
Thanks Lizzy – lasagna is such an easy make ahead meal!
What a fantastic and delicious lasagna recipe!
Thanks Kristy!
Leftover lasagna RULES! (For breakfast, too.)
Yes, I’ve been know to have lasagna for breakfast….with tortilla chips…I’m not sure why they go together? But they do! 😀
I am glad you were able to find a camera…this lasagna is too gorgeous not to photograph.
Actually this is the ONE picture I took before we left the house. Ahh!!!! 😀
You can’t go wrong with Lasagna and the second day, it’s always better. This looks absolutely delicious!
So true Joanie and thank you!
I love trying new lasagna recipes, especially easy ones, this sounds wonderful!
I’m with you on the easy part – sometimes I make thing too complicated!
Lasagna is such a delicious dish to make! I love having my kids help me put down each layer – getting them involved in the cooking process makes them take more pride in it when they eat it!
That sounds like lots of fun to do together Sabrina – making it a family event? Love that!
The pesto makes this really unique for me.
Thanks Michelle!
I thought it was really good. Next time I would double the cottage cheese/ricotta mixture. And 1/2 lb less meat. I thought it was too much meat and not enough cheese. But it tastes very good still.
I would never say no to more cheesy deliciousness Samantah, I’m glad you enjoyed the lasagna! 😀
I have made this a couple of times and is very easy to make and very good to eat. Love it.
Lasagna is such a great comfort meal. Always a favorite!