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A baking dish filled with an easy lasagna dinner, ready to serve.

Easy Weeknight Lasagna with a Two-Ingredient Secret

This easy weeknight lasagna features a simple two-ingredient secret: no-boil noodles and a jar of marinara sauce. It comes together quickly for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Ingredients
  

Lasagna

  • 1 box No-Boil Lasagna Noodles
  • 24 ounce Marinara Sauce your favorite brand
  • 15 ounce Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese divided
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or Italian Sausage optional
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil if using meat
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), and if using meat, brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain fat and set aside.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing until well combined for the filling.

Assembly

  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange a single layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit.
  • Spread half of the ricotta-egg mixture evenly over the noodles.
  • Top with about one-third (approx. 2/3 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • If using meat, sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef or sausage over the mozzarella.
  • Spoon another generous layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) over everything.
  • Repeat the noodle, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat (if using) layers.
  • Place a final layer of noodles on top and cover with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring all noodles are covered.
  • Sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.

Baking & Resting

  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also add a layer of fresh spinach with the ricotta mixture for added greens.