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Make-Ahead Lasagna

Delicious Make-Ahead Lasagna Ready When You Are

This Easy Make-Ahead Lasagna features rich meat sauce and creamy cheeses, perfect for busy schedules.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Refrigeration Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Use sweet sausage for mild flavor or omit for vegetarian.
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Swap with homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
  • 1 cup Pizza Sauce Can be replaced with additional marinara.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 2 large Eggs No substitutes recommended.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Use cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley Fresh parsley can be used instead.
  • 1 tsp Pepper Optional seasoning that can be customized.
For the Layers
  • 12 oz No-Cook Lasagna Noodles Regular lasagna noodles require pre-cooking.
  • 4 cups Mozzarella Cheese Use low-fat mozzarella if desired.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish
  • plastic wrap
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Make-Ahead Lasagna
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, about 8–10 minutes; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara and pizza sauces, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer 4 no-cook lasagna noodles across the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and another cup of meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then repeat layers until finishing with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
  4. Top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove lasagna from fridge for 15 minutes, bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 24gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the lasagna sits refrigerated for the full 8 hours or overnight. Cover with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture.

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