Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously cheesy, meatless delight that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites? Look no further than our Easy Cheesy Meatless Lasagna! This Italian classic is not only a breeze to prepare, but it also layers rich flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With just 60 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up a comforting dish that serves six—perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a lasagna that’s both hearty and wholesome, without a hint of meat in sight!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Layer the lasagna by first placing 3 noodles across the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with another 3 noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup marinara sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the final 3 noodles, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow lasagna to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Your Noodles: For the best texture, cook your lasagna noodles until al dente. This will prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. Rinsing them in cold water after cooking helps to stop the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together.
- Layer Smartly: When layering your lasagna, be sure to spread the marinara sauce evenly to keep the noodles moist and flavorful. Don’t skimp on the cheese—each layer should be generous to ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious!
- Cover with Care: When covering your baking dish with aluminum foil, make sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully without sticking to the foil.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow your lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of your lasagna. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
