Name: Lazy Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 9 sheets oven-ready lasagna noodles; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

This Lazy Lasagna is the answer to those busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have the energy for layers and hours in the kitchen. It’s cheesy, saucy, hearty, and comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor. This shortcut version tastes just like traditional lasagna but skips all the fuss.

With a few clever ingredient swaps and a quick baking time, you get that bubbling, golden, cheesy top and rich Italian flavors that feel homemade. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need an easy dinner idea, this Lazy Lasagna is a guaranteed hit.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this Lazy Lasagna, oven-ready lasagna noodles are your best friend. They save time and effort by eliminating the boiling step. You can also substitute with regular lasagna noodles if you pre-cook them or even try cheese ravioli for an extra-cheesy twist. The goal is to keep it simple without sacrificing the layered pasta experience.

Ingredients for the Lazy Lasagna

Ground Beef: Adds a rich, meaty base and classic lasagna flavor. You can swap with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.

Marinara Sauce: A good jarred marinara or homemade sauce gives this dish its comforting tomato base. It ties the flavors together.

Ricotta Cheese: Offers creaminess and that traditional lasagna texture in every bite.

Mozzarella Cheese: The melty layer on top that browns beautifully and keeps everything gooey and delicious.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory kick and finishes the dish with nutty depth.

Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: No boiling needed! These layer right into the dish and soften as they bake.

Italian Seasoning: Boosts the flavor with dried herbs like oregano and basil.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning your beef and cheese mixture just right.

How To Make the Lazy Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In a baking dish, spread a little meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of oven-ready noodles, then spoon over ricotta cheese, more meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up for clean, delicious layers.

How to Serve and Store This Lazy Lasagna

Serve Lazy Lasagna hot from the oven with a simple green salad or buttery garlic bread. It makes a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck dish. To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for future meals—just thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What to Serve With Lazy Lasagna?

Caesar Salad

The creamy dressing and crisp romaine balance the richness of the lasagna beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up that extra marinara sauce left on the plate.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots for a healthy, hearty side.

Italian Green Beans

A bright, garlicky side that complements the bold lasagna flavors.

Antipasto Platter

Serve with olives, salami, artichokes, and cheese for a fun Italian-inspired dinner night.

Tomato Basil Soup

Pair it with a warm, cozy soup for a full-on comfort meal.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you loved this Lazy Lasagna, you might enjoy these other cozy and flavorful meals:

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe with a Tex-Mex twist.
Creamy Velveeta Beef Bowtie Pasta for extra cheesy goodness.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni if you crave something creamy and savory.
Creamy Crab Pasta Salad for a chilled pasta option.
White Cheddar Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for cheese lovers.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this easy dinner idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s always ready when those comfort food cravings hit.

Tried it with extra spice? Maybe a layer of spinach or mushrooms? Share your spin in the comments below—I love seeing your versions!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. You might just find your next weeknight winner there.

Lazy Lasagna

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re craving a hearty Italian dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Lazy Lasagna is your perfect match. With rich layers of seasoned meat, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara, it’s everything you love about traditional lasagna—without the hassle. A quick and easy dinner idea that’s perfect for busy nights, family meals, or meal prep. It’s a fantastic go-to for comfort food, easy dinner recipes, and satisfying food ideas. Add this to your rotation of quick meals, weeknight dinners, and pasta bake favorites.