How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles (4 Easy Steps)

Try our quick and easy method for making lasagna with no-boil noodles in just 4 easy steps! (Plus VIDEO!) A quick and delicious lasagna casserole that only needs 6 ingredients and no-boil noodles. Perfect for a family dinner and it freezes beautifully too!

 

Easy Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles…

Lasagna is LOVED by everyone! 

What better way to put a family-style meal together than one that is loaded with melted cheese on top and in between layers? 

Not to mention, it contains a delicious meat sauce for protein!  (it’s the best!) 

Our lasagna is made with only a few ingredients and can be easily constructed on the same day and baked for about 30 to 40 minutes.  

Perfect!  An ideal meal to serve family and friends. 

 

The Backstory…

Growing up, we watched our mom make lasagna, and she would make it the traditional way.  It would take her all day to make her lasagna.  

First, our mom would make her homemade tomato sauce, then make mini meatballs to layer them in between the noodles and boil the lasagna noodles.  

It would take her hours to prepare, and because it was so much work back then, I never had the desire to make it myself. 

Until I discovered these “no-boil” noodles! Then I used our mom’s classic bolognese sauce! …and my life was changed! …(literally)

How To Make This Easy Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? 

With our Step-by-Step photos and tutorial, you’ll learn how to make this lasagna with no-boil noodles in just 4 easy steps!

Making Lasagna – the easier way!

Ingredients Overview for Easy Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles: 

You will only need these 6 ingredients to make this recipe for lasagna:

• TOMATO SAUCE: choose already prepared Bolognese Sauce: and you will need at least 6 cups.  QUICK NOTE: This is the key to making this lasagna so quick and easy.  We make our mom’s classic bolognese sauce often and freeze it so we can keep our family-style lasagna on rotation.
• NO-BOIL LASAGNA NOODLES: you will need one or 2 boxes of the “No-boil” lasagna noodles: or Oven-Ready lasagna sheets.
• RICOTTA CHEESE: you will need one (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese: (whole milk).
• PARMESAN: choose a good quality of grated parmesan cheese to add to our lasagna.
• MOZZARELLA: Shredded mozzarella:  at least two (8-ounce) packages.
• CREAM: you can use Half & Half cream: or heavy cream. 
• LARGE BAKING DISH: use one 3 Qt. Pyrex or ceramic baking dish, about 9 x 12 inches.  

How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? (4-Easy Steps):

Here is a quick review before you start:

FIRST:  place all ingredients on the counter, along with a 12 x 9 baking dish.  This will make it easier to assemble the lasagna in about 15 minutes or less.

SECOND: if you have already prepared bolognese sauce on hand, and it has been chilled, check to see if your Bolognese sauce is too thick.  If chilled, the sauce might be too thick and will need a little water to help make it easier to spread; therefore, stir in 1/4 cup of water or more if needed.

NEXT, grab your ladle and two spoons.  One spoon for the grated cheese, and the other to spread the ricotta cheese.  

Now You Are Ready To Begin! 

1. Make the 1st Layer:

Start with a heaping ladle of Bolognese sauce and spread it evenly on the bottom of the baking dish, about 1 cup to 1.5 cups. 

NEXT, place a layer of noodles over the sauce.

Don’t worry if they don’t cover entirely, the noodles will expand while baking.  You may even need to break corners, or you can over-lap the lasagna sheets, to make them fit.

2.  Create the 2nd Layer:  Top those noodles with another heaping ladle of sauce and cover evenly, adding as much sauce as needed.  

Then spread a layer of shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.

3.  Create the 3rd Layer:  Top with a layer of no-boil noodles and with another heaping ladle of sauce, covering evenly and adding as much sauce as needed. 

Next, top with 4 to 6 heaping spoons of ricotta cheese.  Using the back of your spoon, tap the ricotta cheese to help flatten it out.  No need to spread it evenly, the ricotta cheese will melt evenly while baking.   

Then top with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, about 2 tablespoons.

4.  The 4th & Final Layer:  Cover with another layer of no-boil noodles,  and break some noodles if you have to, to make them fit. 

Don’t be afraid to overlap the noodles, if you have to.  Spread the final layer of Bolognese sauce on top.  Sprinkle on top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. 

5. Final Step: Drizzle over the lasagna with some half & half cream.   

Then grab a sheet of foil wrap and lightly spray one side of the foil with cooking oil. 

Next, COVER with foil wrap (with the side sprayed down).  This will prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil wrap while baking. 

*QUICK NOTE: Here is where you can freeze the lasagna, before baking it. 

6. BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges around the sides are bubbling.

FINALLY: After it’s baked, carefully remove the foil cover, and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted on top, and it’s bubbling around the edges.

Remove from oven.  Let it sit, and rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.  Then cut into pieces and serve! 

Serves 6 to 8.

WATCH OUR VIDEO:  How to make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? (1- minute!)

How To Make Ahead and Freeze Lasagna? 

To Make Ahead and Freeze? There are two different ways to freeze lasagna: 

1.  Freeze Before Baking:  Simply assemble the lasagna as it is written in the instructions. Cover with foil wrap, double the wrapping with aluminum foil, and freeze the lasagna.  It’s good for up to two months.  Any longer and you’ll risk freezer burn.

2.  Bake First, and Freeze After:  You can bake it first, then allow the lasagna to cool entirely before freezing.  Here is where you can slice into desired portions and transfer them to containers to freeze.  Or freeze the entire dish.  Always double-wrap with foil wrap to prevent freezer burn. 

3. How To Thaw Before Baking!  It’s best to allow the lasagna to rest on your kitchen counter and to fully thaw, for about 5 hours or more.  Or, thaw in your refrigerator overnight.  Then preheat your oven, and follow the rest of the directions in our recipe card. 

4. How To Thaw in Refrigerator Overnight? Chances are, it may not be completely defrosted.  Check it to see if it’s still partially frozen, and allow it to sit on the counter to warm up to room temperature for about one hour before baking. 

This easy recipe for lasagna is ideal to keep on rotation.

Serve with some crusty bread and garnish with fresh basil or some parsley and a green salad to round out the meal.

The half-and-half cream on top will give a touch of creaminess to this lasagna making it rich and savory.  Therefore, there’s no need to make additional “Bechamel” sauce for this one. 

Sometimes, simple is better! 😉

This lasagna makes a delicious meal!  I bet everyone will ask for seconds and maybe even thirds! 

Make it soon… and ENJOY!!

 

Notes, Questions, and Tips for Success!

• Ovens will vary. Keep in mind these are only guidelines, and you may need to bake it a few minutes longer. 
• Can We Use Store-Bought Jarred Meat Sauce?  Yes, you can! You can use your favorite jarred bolognese sauce, with no heating required.
• If your Bolognese Sauce is very cold (straight from the refrigerator), and very thick, you can stir some water into the sauce to thin it.   Plus, if you plan to bake the lasagna as soon as you make it, keep in mind, that you will need to increase your baking time by 10 to 15 minutes or longer.  This will ensure your lasagna is completely heated thoroughly. 
• Buy good quality ricotta cheese.  I prefer to use whole milk ricotta, and you will need more than 1 cup or 1.5 cups of ricotta cheese.  Ricotta cheese will melt while baking and will blend evenly, no need to spread it perfectly.  Sometimes less is better; if you add too much ricotta cheese, it will be overpowering. 
• Keep in mind, that if you make ahead and chill your lasagna before baking it, it’s best to take it out and allow the lasagna to warm up on your counter before baking.  Then follow the directions in our recipe card below.  
• How Do We Know When It’s Heated Thoroughly?  When you place a fork or butter knife in the center of the lasagna, it should come out steaming hot, and not cold to the touch.  If the knife comes out steaming hot, then it’s ready. 
• Allow the lasagna to “rest” before cutting and for at least 10 to 15 minutes once removed from the oven. This will keep it from becoming “runny” and will help keep its shape while cutting it. But it’s not required for reheating.

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Looking for More Delicious and Easy Casseroles…try these:

• Best Rice Ball Casserole Stuffed with Meats and Peas
• Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna
• Homemade Lasagna with Vegetables
• Best Zucchini Lasagna – Without Noodles! (gluten-free)
• Easy Baked Long Fusilli Casserole
• Pasta Alla Nonna
• Zucchini Rollatini with Spinach and Cheese (gluten-free)
• Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
• Easy Stuffed Shells

Try another lasagna with fewer calories and fat, our Easy Meat Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles-Lightened!  

ENJOY!!

That’s it friends! 

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!  

Happy Baking and Cooking!  🙂

xo anna and liz