Traditional lasagna can feel like an all-day kitchen project. But what if you could achieve those same rich, layered flavors in a fraction of the time? Thanks to some brilliant shortcuts and modern ingredients, you can make a delicious lasagna in under an hour. Here’s how to revolutionize your lasagna game with these time-saving techniques that don’t compromise on taste.
Skip the pre-boiling step entirely
The most time-consuming part of making lasagna isn’t the assembly – it’s waiting for those noodles to boil. But here’s a game-changing tip from Ina Garten: simply soak your regular lasagna noodles in hot water for 20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
This method ensures your noodles are perfectly pliable for layering, without the hassle of boiling water or dealing with stuck-together noodles. The residual heat from the sauce and baking process will cook them to the perfect texture.
Smart sauce selection makes all the difference
When time is of the essence, choosing the right pre-made sauce is crucial. Premium marinara sauces with Italian sausage or roasted garlic flavors can provide the depth typically achieved through hours of simmering.
For extra richness, consider mixing your chosen sauce with a small amount of beef broth. This simple addition creates a more complex flavor profile without requiring you to simmer homemade sauce for hours.
The ravioli revolution method
Here’s an innovative twist: replace traditional lasagna noodles with cheese ravioli. This four-ingredient shortcut provides built-in layers of pasta and cheese, cutting assembly time in half.
Cook the ravioli for two minutes less than package instructions – they’ll finish cooking in the oven. This method creates distinct pockets of cheese throughout your lasagna, adding an interesting textural element to each bite.
Streamline your cheese mixture
Instead of mixing multiple ingredients for the cheese layer, use cottage cheese straight from the container. While ricotta is traditional, cottage cheese provides similar creaminess with no prep work required.
Simply add a layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. This simplified approach maintains the classic lasagna texture while saving valuable prep time.
Make it a one-pot wonder
Break free from traditional layering with a one-pot approach. Break your noodles into pieces, combine them with your sauce and meat in a large pot, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with cheese and broil until golden.
This method might seem unconventional, but it delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in about 30 minutes. Plus, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash afterward.
Remember to let your lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving – this helps the layers set and makes for cleaner slices. With these shortcuts, you can enjoy homemade lasagna any night of the week, not just on special occasions.
30-Minute Shortcut Lasagna
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalA time-saving version of the classic Italian comfort food that delivers all the traditional flavors without hours in the kitchen
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
1 (16 oz) package regular lasagna noodles
24 oz cottage cheese
16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cups hot water (for soaking noodles)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Start by soaking the lasagna noodles in very hot water. Place them in a large baking dish and cover completely with hot water. Let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients, about 15 minutes. They should become pliable but not fully cooked.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. The sauce should be slightly thinner than usual as the noodles will absorb some liquid during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Drain the soaked noodles and pat them dry with paper towels. This prevents excess water from making your lasagna soupy.
- Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread 1/3 of the cottage cheese over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining ingredients. On the final layer, add any remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for a golden brown crust.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before cutting. This resting time is crucial as it allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner slices.
Notes
- For best results, use regular lasagna noodles rather than no-boil ones – they have better texture.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred.
- Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use no-boil noodles instead of regular lasagna noodles?
A: While you can use no-boil noodles, regular lasagna noodles soaked in hot water actually produce better results. They maintain their texture better and won’t absorb as much sauce during baking, preventing a dry lasagna.
Q: Why isn’t there an egg in the cottage cheese mixture?
A: We’ve eliminated the egg to streamline the recipe. The cottage cheese binds well enough on its own, and skipping the egg doesn’t noticeably affect the final texture of the lasagna.
Q: Can I prepare this lasagna the night before?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?
A: For individual portions, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
