How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles (4 Easy Steps)
How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? Try our quick and easy method for making lasagna with no-boil noodles in just 4 easy steps! (Plus VIDEO!) This recipe has simple ingredients and makes a delicious lasagna casserole using 6 ingredients and no-boil noodles. A great meal to freeze, make-ahead, and leftovers freeze and reheat perfectly.
Easy Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles…
Lasagna is LOVED by everyone! This is an easy lasagna for you to make for years to come:
- This lasagna recipe only contains at least 3 layers of noodles, (but some recipes will have 4 or 5 layers, which will require a deeper baking dish).
- We prefer to use no-boil noodles, and an easy tomato sauce loaded with a meat, our mom’s classic bolognese along with shredded mozzarella.
- We recommend using a 9 x 12, or 9 x 13-inch casserole dish for our recipe.
- Our lasagna is an ideal meal to serve family and friends.
How To Make This Easy Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles?
Here is our overview along with our Step-by-Step photos and tutorial. You can easily learn how to make this lasagna with no-boil noodles in just 4 easy steps!
Ingredients Overview:
For our recipe, you will only need these 6 ingredients to make this recipe for lasagna:
- TOMATO SAUCE: choose already prepared, our Mom’s Classic 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 1-inches, or 9 x 13-inches).
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.
NEXT: If you have already “prepared bolognese sauce on hand” and it has been chilled, you may need to add some water to make it easier to spread.
THEN: Grab a ladle, and two spoons! One spoon for the grated cheese, and the other to spread the ricotta cheese.
How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? (4-Easy Steps):
See our full (printable) recipe card below with ingredients and instructions.
1. Make the 1st Layer: Start by spreading an even layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, about 1 cup to 1.5 cups. NEXT, place a layer of noodles over the sauce.
QUICK NOTE: 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. Next, 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.
QUICK NOTE: No need to spread it evenly, the ricotta cheese will melt evenly while baking. Then scatter on 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.
QUICK NOTE: 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.
Finally: 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.
BAKE (Covered) for 35 to 40 minutes. Then 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 and set it aside to rest. Let it sit, and rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. Then cut into pieces and serve! Serves 6 to 8.
WATCH VIDEO: How to make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles? (1- minute!)
Make Ahead…
- To Make Ahead: Simply assemble the lasagna as it is written in the instructions. DO NOT BAKE. Cover with foil wrap, double the wrapping with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze the lasagna, for up to two months. Any longer and you’ll risk freezer burn.
To Freeze and Thaw:
- Bake First, then 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.
- Thaw Frozen Lasagna: 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.
To Store and Reheat:
- To Store Lasagna: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months
- To Reheat Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place your lasagna in a casserole dish, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Questions & Tips for Success:
- Can we use “Store-Bought” jarred meat sauce? Yes, you can! If you are pressed for time? Rao’s Bolognese is a good brand for tomato sauces. You can use your favorite jarred bolognese sauce, and no heating is required.
2. Buy good quality ricotta cheese. I prefer to use whole milk ricotta, and about 1 cup or 1.5 cups. Ricotta cheese will melt while baking and will blend evenly, no need to spread it perfectly. If you add too much ricotta cheese, it will be overpowering.
3. How do we know when it is 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.
4. 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.
More Delicious and Easy Casseroles You’ll Love:
- 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!
How to Make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles
Learn how to make Lasagna with No-Boil Noodles with four easy steps! It is a great meal that comes together quickly and easily with an unexpected way to construct lasagna using no boil noodles.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Bolognese sauce
- 1 box No-boil lasagna noodles (Oven-Ready lasagna sheets)
- 1 (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese (original, whole milk)
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese - divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and extra- divided
- 1/4 cup Half & Half cream (or heavy cream)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Use a 9 x 12 baking dish ( Pyrex or foil pan).
- First Layer: Spread 1 cup or more on the bottom of the baking dish with Bolognese sauce, and spread it evenly. Lay the lasagna sheets over the sauce, breaking pieces, or overlaying if you need to cover the sauce.
- Second Layer: Next, top the noodles with another heaping ladle of bolognese sauce, about another cup. Cover evenly. Then spread a layer of shredded mozzarella, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Third Layer: Lay another layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Spread with another heaping ladle of meat sauce, covering evenly. Next, top with 6 spoonfuls 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 sprinkle with 1 or 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fourth Layer: Cover with another layer of no-boil noodles, breaking some noodles if you have to, to make them fit, or overlap if fine too. Then add a layer of Bolognese sauce on top. Sprinkle on top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finally, drizzle 1/4 cup of half & half cream over the lasagna. COVER with foil wrap.
- BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes. Carefully pull out the lasagna, remove the foil cover, and return it to the oven to continue to bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and it's bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.
- Remove from the oven, and allow it to rest for a 10 to 15 minutes before cutting. Then cut into individual pieces and serve.
- Serves 6 to 8
Notes
You can freeze lasagna, after it's been assembled andย UNBAKED.ย Prepare it as we did here, cover with foil wrap, then place it in your freezer, good up to one month.ย Any longer, you risk freezer burn.
When ready to bake!ย ย It's best to allow the lasagna to rest on your kitchen counter, to fully defrost, about 5 hours or more.ย Or, defrost in your refrigerator over night.ย ย Then preheat your oven, and follow the rest of the directions in our recipe card.ย
If you thaw it in your refrigerator overnight, chances are, it may not be completely defrosted.ย Check it to see if it's still partially frozen, and allow it to sit on counter to warm up to room temperature, about one hour or more before baking.ย
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6 to 8 servingsServing Size:
1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 498Total Fat: 7.6gCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 22g
If you tried our recipe on how to make lasagna with no-boil noodles, let us know and leave a comment with a star rating! We’d love to hear from you. Sharing your insights and experiences helps everyone who reads them, and helps us too! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, and Pinterest, for all the updates!
Happy Baking and Cooking! ๐
xo anna and liz
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LOVE, LOVE LOVE !!!! I am married to an Italian man and he said this is the BEST!!
If he approves, It’s a keeper!
Thank you 2 sisters ๐
Aw, Susan thank you so much for your kind words! Welcome to our recipe blog, it is so nice to meet you! Keep cooking and stay healthy! Enjoy!:)
Looks great! Where is the Bolognese recipe??
HI TZ, here is the recipe! https://2sistersrecipes.com/moms-classic-bolognese-sauce/
I will edit and add that link in there…. Thanks so much! ๐
Can you make additional layer of sauce and cheese to make a thicker lasagna? This is my first time using the no boil noodles. I was thinking the extra layer to make the lasagna go a little farther.
Yes, you can do that! Be sure you will have enough sauce to cover the lasagna sheets, or it will turn out a little dry.
Also, keep in mind, the noodles will expand as they cook, giving more height to the lasagna. ENJOY!!
Iโm making my lasagna with egg noodles do I have to add more broth to it than usual pls let me know thank you
Hello Bella! I am not sure what you mean, by “egg noodles” …If you are not using the No-Boil lasagna sheets, and prefer the other lasagna noodles, then you will need to boil the other lasagna noodles in a pot of boiling water until they are cooked. Then follow the steps and directions in our recipe. I hope this helps. ๐
I only use no-boil noodles when making lasagna, they are so much more tender and more like homemade pasta.
After you bake lasagna and eat, if there is some left, can you rebake leftovers another day?
HI Mary! Yes, you can reheat leftovers either in the oven, at 300F degrees, until it is warm, about 15 minutes. Or you can reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Can you use whole milk instead
Good morning Kim! The cream is needed to give a creamy texture to the lasagna. Milk will not work, because it will not thicken, and it will create a watery effect. If you only have milk, then I suggest you can make a quick Bรฉchamel sauce. It is a sauce traditionally made from a white roux and milk. You will need to simmer the milk with some butter and flour until it thickens, then spread a layer of it into the lasagna. I skipped that step, by using half & half or heavy cream. I hope this helps! ๐
Love the no bake noodles, my first time trying them, absolutely marvelous and I made lasagna delicious thank you!
You are so welcome!
Is it okay to freeze after baking?
Hi Josie,
Yes, I think itโs ok to freeze after you bake it. I recommend having extra tomato sauce on hand when serving, just in case the lasagna needs additional sauce when reheating. I hope this helps! ๐
I couldn’t agree more. In fact, whenever I make lasagna, I always like to serve it with extra sauce, in case anyone wants to use it as if it were a gravy. Thanks for all the helpful tips!
Thanks so much, Jeff! Have a great weekend! ๐
Can you make it a day ahead or will the noodles break down?
Hi Patt! Yes, you can prepare the entire lasagna one day ahead, cover with foil wrap, and chill. Then the next day, remove it from your refrigerator at least one hour before you bake it. The lasagna needs to warm up before it goes into the oven; otherwise, the lasagna will need more baking time.
I always keep lasagna no boil pasta sheets in my pantry and a container of sauce in my freezer. You never know when the desire for lasagna will happen…like after seeing this post. ๐
Haha, thanks so much Karen for your kind words! Enjoy and have a great weekend! ๐
oh yes instant lasagne sheets make life so much easier! i gave up on the boil ones decades ago.
So did many of my friends… The No-boil noodles make our lives so much easier. Thanks, Sherry!
I never heard of pouring half and half over the top of lasagna. I’ll try it.
Hi Denise, Welcome to our blog! Yes, I know it is unusual the way I make my lasagna, but it works! And you can use heavy cream as well, it’s even better. Most lasagnas especially authentic ones in Italy are made with a layer of Bechamel sauce. But, instead, I created the same creaminess effect without making the second sauce (a white cream sauce) and it saves me time. Hope you ENJOY this version! Have a great day. ๐
I haven’t tried the no boil noodles yet. I don’t make lasagna often but need to get more confident making it. derful! Your tutorial is just what I needed ๐
So glad to hear! thanks so much! ๐
I like using the no boil noodles. Not only are they a time saver but I believe that they make for a lighter lasagna. Yours looks great!
Yes and we agree, it does make it lighter. Thank you Karen!