Lasagna with Cheese Noodles is a delicious twist on the classic lasagna, where instead of traditional pasta, you use cheese-filled noodles (often called “cheese lasagna noodles” or “no-boil cheese lasagna sheets”). This makes for a rich and flavorful dish, with layers of melted cheese and a savory sauce. Here’s a recipe that uses cheese lasagna noodles to create a creamy and hearty dish.
Lasagna with Cheese Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lasagna:
- 12-15 sheets of no-boil cheese lasagna noodles (these come pre-filled with cheese, but you can also use regular lasagna noodles if you prefer, just cook them according to package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or beef/pork mix). Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Sauce:
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce thicken and the flavors meld.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Place a layer of no-boil cheese lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- Spread about one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add another layer of meat sauce on top of the cheese, then repeat with the noodles, cheese mixture, and sauce. Continue layering, ending with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
- Top the Lasagna:
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer of sauce. If desired, you can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and a golden finish.
Bake the Lasagna:
- Bake:
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest the Lasagna:
- Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with lasagna.
Tips:
- No-Boil Noodles: If you’re using no-boil cheese lasagna noodles, there’s no need to cook them beforehand. They’ll absorb moisture from the sauce as they bake and become soft.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this lasagna vegetarian, you can substitute the ground meat with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
This Lasagna with Cheese Noodles offers the rich flavor and texture of a classic lasagna, but with the added convenience and creamy richness of cheese-filled noodles. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!