make ahead lasagna recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best make ahead lasagna recipe

I’m so excited to share my make-ahead lasagna recipe with you! This classic Italian dish has been a staple in my household for years, and for good reason.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I remember my grandmother first making this dish for me when I was a kid, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

There’s just something about the combination of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese that makes my heart (and stomach) happy. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit my family’s tastes, adding in some extra veggies and herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor.

And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and it’s become a fun family activity we look forward to every week.

But even on the days when I’m short on time, this lasagna is a lifesaver – just pop it in the oven and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, with its make-ahead capabilities, I can prep it on Sunday night and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without any fuss.

So if you’re looking for a reliable recipe that’ll please even the pickiest eaters (like my husband), look no further! This make-ahead lasagna is sure to become a favorite in your household too.

Make Ahead Lasagna

Make Ahead Lasagna

4.6 from 1192 votes

A hearty and comforting lasagna that can be prepared in advance and baked when ready. This dish features layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 large onion
4 cloves garlic
1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Filling

3 cups ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

12 lasagna noodles
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a large skillet, cook ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Drain excess fat.
4Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
5Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
6Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
7Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8Set aside to cool slightly.
9In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and black pepper.
10Mix well until smooth and creamy.
11Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Arrange a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
13Spread 1/3 of the cheese filling over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce.
14Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
15Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
16Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
17Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
18When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
19Bake the lasagna covered for 25 minutes.
20Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
21Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
22This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience.

Watch Video Of How Make Ahead Lasagna Works

This make-ahead lasagna recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad I can share it with you now!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Plus, its make-ahead capabilities mean you can prep it on Sunday night and enjoy leftovers throughout the week without any fuss – just pop it in the oven when you need a meal that’s easy and satisfying.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Make Ahead Lasagna

Q: What type of pasta should I use for lasagna?

A: Traditionally, lasagna noodles are used for this dish. You can find them at most grocery stores in the pasta section or online. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using different types of pasta like ziti or rigatoni – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

A: Absolutely! While sausage adds a nice depth of flavor to this dish, you can substitute it with ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it until it’s browned before adding in the tomato sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

A: To avoid mushy noodles, be sure to cook them al dente before assembling the lasagna. This means they should still have a bit of bite to them when you bite into them. Also, don’t overmix the cheese mixture – this will help keep everything separate and prevent sogginess.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice-based or corn-based noodles.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: The prep time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes – 1 hour, depending on how quickly you assemble everything. However, since it can be made ahead of time, don’t worry too much about being precise with your timing.

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