This lasagna without ricotta cheese recipe is creamy, creamy, and flavorful! It is made with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making it more family-friendly. This classic Italian dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and more. Both kids and adults love it. The layers of lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese make it so comforting and cozy!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This lasagna recipe without ricotta cheese is quick and easy to make.
- Only one hour is needed.
- The lasagna is melty, bubbly, and creamy.
- The lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add in other types of meat, veggies, or cheeses.
- The lasagna is creamy, cheesy, and tasty.
- Both kids and adults love this recipe!
- This lasagna recipe is made without ricotta cheese and without cottage cheese.
- Great for many different occasions! Make this for potlucks, holidays, family dinners, and more.
- It reheats and freezes well.
- We love using brown rice lasagna sheets for this recipe. That makes it gluten-free, too!
- Check out this Classic Lasagna for a version with ricotta cheese!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full lasagna without ricotta recipe.
Use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground sausage. Cook until crumby and browned.
Finely chop the onion.
Freshly minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky flavor.
Marinara sauce adds the delicious Italian flavor. We recommend using sugar-free marinara sauce.
Basil and oregano add even more flavor.
Add in salt and pepper to taste.
For the cheese layer, use mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. These are our two favorites for lasagna! In addition, kids love these two classic cheeses.
We love using brown rice lasagna noodles for this recipe. Jovial is our favorite brand.
Lastly, top the baked lasagna with fresh basil and oregano for freshness and flavor!
Taste & Texture
This lasagna recipe without ricotta cheese is super creamy and cheesy!
The noodles become tender but not mushy.
The meat sauce is hearty, savory, and so flavorful.
Overall, this homemade recipe is cheesy, creamy, and delicious!
How to Make
Step 1
First, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook until brown and crumbly.
Step 2
Drain all but one tablespoon of the grease in the pan.
Step 3
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Step 4
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 5
Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and set aside.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7
In a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Step 8
Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Step 9
Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 10
Repeat the layering process until you have reached the top of the pan. End with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 11
Cover the baking dish with tin foil.
Step 12
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 13
Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 14
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Step 15
Finally, serve your easy lasagna without ricotta cheese and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips for making the best lasagna without ricotta.
Use high-quality fresh ingredients.
Do not skimp on the seasonings. They add so much flavor.
Lasagna is all about layers!
Top with tin foil while baking. This ensures that the cheese does not burn.
Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
There are several ways to switch up the flavors of this lasagna recipe without ricotta cheese.
Add ground pork, sausage, or vegetables to the sauce.
Choose different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
Add a layer of spinach or mushrooms to the lasagna for added nutrients.
Top the lasagna with a sprinkling of herbs, such as basil or oregano.
How to Serve & Store
Here are some tips for serving and storing lasagna.
Allow the freshly baked lasagna to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If needed, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use ricotta cheese in this recipe. However, the lasagna will have a slightly different texture and flavor.
You can use a variety of cheeses as a substitute for cottage cheese, such as ricotta, cream cheese, or mascarpone.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and bake it later. Assemble the lasagna up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Instead of ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese, or mascarpone.
Ricotta cheese is a whey cheese, which means it is made from the liquid leftover from making other cheeses. The word “ricotta” is Italian for “recooked,” and it refers to the process of heating the whey to a high temperature to coagulate the proteins. Ricotta can be made from the whey of any milk, but it is most commonly made from cow’s milk.
Bake the lasagna uncovered then covered. This allows the lasagna to cook through without being burned on top.
Equipment Needed
Lasagna Pan: This classic lasagna pan is deep enough and a great size.
You May Also Enjoy
- White Chicken Lasagna
- Lentil Lasagna
- Spinach Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna
- Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Pasta Rolls
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Lasagna Without Ricotta
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Lasagna:
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles
- fresh herbs (optional garnish)
Instructions
- First, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook until brown and crumbly.
- Drain all but one tablespoon of the grease in the pan.
- Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes. Then, remove it from heat and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place three cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until you have reached the top of the pan. End with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with tin foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve your easy lasagna without ricotta cheese and enjoy!
Notes
- We love using Jovial brown rice lasagna noodles!
- Feel free to use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground sausage.
- Bake the lasagna until bubbly.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for 2 months if needed.
Enjoy this healthy lasagna without ricotta cheese!
My family loved this lasagna! I don’t like ricotta so this was perfect. Thank you for a great recipe!
This lasagna was so cheesy and delicious! My family loved it.