Tired of spending hours in the kitchen? Craving a comforting lasagna but short on time? Then this Barilla No-Bake Lasagna recipe is your answer! This easy recipe delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness of classic lasagna without the lengthy baking time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, this dish is surprisingly simple yet incredibly satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and homemade meal in a fraction of the usual time!
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package Barilla lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred, but regular works too!)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara works great)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the lasagna noodles in the bottom of the prepared dish. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip pre-boiling. Regular noodles may require a quick boil according to package directions.
- Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the noodles.
- Top with half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat layers: remaining noodles, remaining meat sauce, remaining ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Chill & Serve:
- Cover the lasagna and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to blend and the lasagna to set, resulting in a firmer, more satisfying texture.
- Before serving, let the lasagna sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off. This enhances the flavor profile.
Tips for the Best No-Bake Lasagna:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your lasagna will taste.
- Don't overcook the meat: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough.
- Taste and adjust seasonings: Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Let it chill: Chilling is crucial for the lasagna to set properly and develop its flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to the sauce.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach or other leafy greens into the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, 20-25g of protein, and 25-30g of fat. This is an estimate and should be adjusted based on your specific ingredients and serving size. Use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis.
This Barilla No-Bake Lasagna is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a quick, delicious, and surprisingly healthy meal the whole family will love. Enjoy!