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This easy no-boil lasagna brings classic Italian flavors to your table with minimal prep work. By skipping the need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles, this recipe saves time while delivering a rich, creamy, and delicious result perfect for any special occasion or weeknight meal.
Forget the hassle of boiling lasagna noodles- this simple lasagna recipe makes it easy to layer uncooked noodles, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese filling into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Each bite is flavorful and delicious with a mix of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this classic lasagna recipe without sacrificing taste or texture.
The Chemistry Behind No-Boil Lasagna
No-boil lasagna is possible due to the extra moisture the sauce and cheese mixture provides. As the lasagna bakes, the noodles absorb this liquid, becoming soft and perfectly cooked. This method ensures a delicious, hearty meat sauce and evenly cooked layers of noodles without any need to boil noodles separately.
What is in no-boil lasagna?
Ground Beef
Adds hearty flavor to the sauce.
Marinara Sauce
It provides a rich tomato sauce base; choose your favorite brand or make your homemade sauce.
Water
It helps the noodles absorb moisture as they bake.
Cottage Cheese
Adds creaminess to the filling; use whole milk ricotta cheese if you prefer a classic option.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully, adding a creamy layer.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a sharp, nutty flavor; reserve a portion for sprinkling on top.
Parsley Flakes and Nutmeg
Provide extra depth of flavor and a hint of warmth.
Eggs
Bind the cheese mixture for a sturdy creamy filling.
Uncooked Lasagna Noodles
The star of this no-boil lasagna recipe; these absorb the sauce and cheese filling’s extra liquid, cooking to the perfect texture.
How to Make Easy No-Boil Lasagna
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Place a large skilled over medium heat. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add 1 cup of water and the marinara sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer while you prepare the cheese filling. This allows the flavors to meld and adds richness to the lasagna.
Make the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/3 cup of water. Add the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, nutmeg, salt and black pepper.
Stir until everything is well mixed. This filling provides the perfect creamy texture and savory taste between each layer of noodles.
Assemble the Lasagna
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Lay 4 uncooked noodles across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap—Spread 1/3 of the cheese filling evenly over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the tomato sauce.
Repeat this layering process twice, using all the noodles, cheese filling, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese on top of the final layer.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, which helps cook the noodles evenly.
Place the lasagna in a preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 40 minutes.
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and return the lasagna to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to turn golden brown and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Storage Tips
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This lasagna freezes well! To prevent freezer burn, wrap portions in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warm.
Making Ahead
Assemble the lasagna up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes it ideal for preparing ahead of busy weeknights or special occasions.
How to Reheat Lasagna
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warm if reheating a single portion, a microwave on medium power works well, though it may not retain the same texture.
Serving Suggestions
This easy traditional lasagna recipe pairs perfectly with fresh salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables. For a cozy Italian dinner, serve alongside spaghetti sauce or a small bowl of bolognese sauce to dip your garlic bread.
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Why make no-boil lasagna?
This no-boil lasagna is the best lasagna for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family gatherings. Its rich, hearty flavors make it an excellent option for winter meals, and the recipe is versatile enough for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
FAQs
How does no-boil lasagna work?
The secret to no-boil lasagna lies in the extra liquid added to the dish, such as the water mixed with the marinara sauce and cheese filling. This moisture seeps into the noodles as they bake, softening them and creating a tender result without pre-boiling.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a more traditional ricotta cheese mixture for the filling, you can substitute ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. It adds a creamy, slightly grainy texture and a classic flavor that works beautifully in this lasagna.
How can I prevent my lasagna from drying out?
Covering the lasagna with aluminum foil for most of the baking time helps retain moisture and cook the noodles thoroughly. The foil is removed at the end to make the cheese topping golden brown and bubbly.
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use oven-ready lasagna sheets if you prefer. However, regular noodles work just as well in this recipe because they absorb the extra liquid, creating a deliciously tender texture.
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Easy No-Boil Lasagna
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 bottle Ragu or other marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
Cheese Filling
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 eggs
- 24 ounces cottage cheese
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese separated
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- salt & pepper to taste
Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
Tomato Sauce
- Place a skillet over medium heat on a stove top. Brown all the ground beef.
- Add 1 cup of water and marinara sauce, stir until combined.
- Turn heat on low and allow the sauce to simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.
Cheese Filling
- In a large bowl combine the eggs and water, whisk.
- Pour in the cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/4 parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Assemble
- Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray. Place 4 noodles on the bottom. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture on top, then pour 1/3 of the tomato sauce over it all.
- Repeat 2 more times until all 3 layers of noodles, cheese mixture and tomato sauce are in.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese on top. Cover the lasagna with tinfoil and place in the oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the tinfoil and continue baking for 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Alexa Holland
I’ve always been intimidated by lasagna but this is so easy! And I love that the noodles turn out perfectly al dente and not too soft. So yummy!!
Madison Reid
Yes!! I agree; the noodles do not get overcooked when you do not boil them before baking. I am so glad you are no longer intimidated by lasagna! Thank you for taking the time to rate and review my recipe.