There’s something utterly magical about pulling a bubbling, cheesy lasagna from the oven. The aroma wafts through the house, wrapping you in a warm embrace that says, “Dinner is served!” This Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna is the answer to your weeknight woes and comfort food cravings, combining simplicity and satisfaction in every layer. Imagine biting into soft pasta, gooey cheese, and rich sauce—all without breaking a sweat or your wallet.
I remember my first attempt at making lasagna; it was like an episode of a cooking show gone wrong. My noodles turned into a sticky mess, and I was left wondering if I had accidentally created a new type of cement. But fear not! This easy recipe will have you impressing dinner guests, family, or even your cat with your culinary prowess.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna makes weeknight dinners effortless while delivering mouthwatering flavors.
- It looks stunning with its layered textures and vibrant colors.
- Perfect for busy families or anyone needing a quick meal that satisfies cravings.
- Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins for added versatility.
I once made this dish for my friends during a cozy game night, and their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles to save time; they absorb the sauce beautifully as they bake.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce adds flavor; go for one that has herbs and spices you love.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese creates a rich layer; feel free to mix in some spinach for added nutrition.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole-milk mozzarella for that dreamy stretchiness that everyone craves in lasagna.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This salty cheese adds depth; sprinkle generously between layers for extra flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a baking dish with nonstick spray ensures nothing sticks during this cheesy adventure.
Create Your Base Layer: Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish. This prevents sticking and sets the stage for epic layers.
Add Your Noodles: Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they’re nicely aligned. No need for perfection—this isn’t an art gallery!
Layer with Ricotta: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the noodles, then spread it gently using a spatula. Imagine it as frosting on a cake—delicious!
Sauce It Up: Pour more marinara sauce over the ricotta layer until everything looks beautifully coated but not swimming. We want layers, not soup!
Crown with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer before repeating from step three until all ingredients are used up. End with mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top—because why not?
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and let it bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
After removing it from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. You’ll want those layers to hold up when you serve!
Enjoying this Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna is like getting wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly day: comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
You Must Know: The Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights. This dish combines simplicity with delightful flavors, making it a favorite for families. The aroma of melting cheese and rich tomato sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer your ingredients, beginning with sauce at the bottom, to avoid sticking. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to personalize your lasagna.
Storing & Reheating
To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the cheese melts beautifully.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use no-boil noodles to save time; they cook perfectly in the oven.
- Allow the lasagna to sit before slicing to avoid a cheesy mess.
- A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds an irresistible crunch and flavor.
Creating this Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna was a family tradition that brought us together every Sunday, filling our home with laughter and delicious smells.
FAQ
Can I make Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What type of cheese is best for lasagna?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan create a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
How long should I bake my lasagna?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna
Indulge in the comforting layers of this Easy 5 Ingredient Lasagna, a delightful weeknight meal that combines gooey cheese, rich marinara, and tender pasta. Perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying dinner, this recipe is both simple and customizable. With just five ingredients, you’ll create a cheesy masterpiece that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the noodles and gently spread.
- Add more marinara sauce over the ricotta layer until coated but not swimming.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for added flavor.
