Easy Pan Lasagna Recipe: Delicious & Simple!

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 45 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super easy and incredibly delicious recipe: pan lasagna! Forget about those complicated, multi-layered monstrosities that take hours to assemble. This version is all about simplicity, convenience, and maximum flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this cheesy, saucy goodness that’s going to become a family favorite!

Why Pan Lasagna?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about why pan lasagna is a total game-changer. Traditional lasagna, while undeniably delicious, can be a bit of a project. All those layers, the precise alignment of noodles, and the fear of it collapsing when you cut into it? Yeah, we're skipping all that. Pan lasagna offers a streamlined approach without sacrificing any of the comforting, savory flavors we crave. Think of it as lasagna's chill cousin – just as satisfying but way less fussy.

Easy Assembly: Instead of meticulously layering ingredients, you're essentially creating a saucy, cheesy party in a pan. It’s more about scattering and spreading than precise construction.
Faster Cooking Time: Because everything is more compact and evenly distributed in a pan, it cooks faster than a traditional lasagna. This means you can have dinner on the table in less time.
Perfect for Weeknights: With its simplicity and speed, pan lasagna is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Ground beef, sausage, veggies – the possibilities are endless!
Kid-Friendly: What kid doesn't love lasagna? And because this version is so easy to make, you can even get the little ones involved in the process. It’s a great way to teach them about cooking and get them excited about trying new foods.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather our ingredients. Don't worry, you probably already have most of these in your pantry and fridge. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Here’s what you'll need:

Ground Meat: 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both!). I prefer using a leaner ground beef to avoid excess grease, but feel free to use what you like. If you’re using Italian sausage, you can remove it from the casings for easier browning.
Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. These aromatics are the foundation of our flavor profile. Don’t skimp on the garlic – it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Canned Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. The crushed tomatoes provide texture, while the tomato sauce adds richness and body.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs is a shortcut to that classic lasagna flavor. If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces of ricotta cheese. This creamy cheese is a key component of lasagna. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before using it.
Egg: 1 large egg. The egg helps bind the ricotta cheese and adds richness.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This is what creates that gooey, cheesy topping we all love.
Lasagna Noodles: 9-12 oven-ready lasagna noodles. These are a lifesaver because you don't have to pre-boil them. If you're using regular lasagna noodles, you'll need to cook them according to the package directions before assembling the lasagna.
Fresh Basil: A few fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish). This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part! Here’s how to assemble your easy pan lasagna. Follow these steps, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the lasagna cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna!
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma should be amazing at this point!
Add Tomato Goodness: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This ricotta mixture is going to add a creamy, cheesy layer to our lasagna.
Assemble the Lasagna: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer.
Layer It Up: Arrange a layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the pan. Don't worry if they don't fit perfectly – they'll soften as they bake.
Add Cheese and Sauce: Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with one cup of the mozzarella cheese. This is the first of our cheesy layers!
Repeat Layers: Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Make sure the top layer is cheese – it's what gives us that beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Bake: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The cheese should be golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
Rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart when you slice it.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and easy pan lasagna!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your pan lasagna to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Add Veggies: Sauté some chopped vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini and add them to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters!
Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Asiago for a unique flavor profile. A blend of cheeses can add complexity and depth to your lasagna.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick. If you like spicy food, this is a great way to add some heat.
Make It Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with sautéed vegetables or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version. You can also add some cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.
Use Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley instead of dried herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and elevate the taste of the lasagna.
Add a Bechamel Sauce: For an extra creamy and decadent lasagna, add a layer of béchamel sauce between the layers. Béchamel sauce is a classic white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the lasagna.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Pan lasagna is also a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake it, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure that it's heated through.

Storage Instructions

Leftover pan lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven. To reheat it in the oven, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

So there you have it – an easy and delicious pan lasagna recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple assembly, faster cooking time, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! And remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, guys!