Best 5 Shortcut Lasagna Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors that is lasagna, a culinary masterpiece that has captured hearts and taste buds for centuries. This beloved Italian dish is characterized by its layers of savory goodness, featuring tender lasagna noodles, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a golden-brown, crispy topping. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover a collection of lasagna recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. From the classic lasagna Bolognese, with its traditional combination of beef and pork ragu, to the vegetarian lasagna, bursting with fresh vegetables and a hearty lentil filling, there's a lasagna recipe here to tantalize every palate. Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to elevate your lasagna-making skills or a novice seeking a foolproof recipe, this article has something for everyone. So, prepare to be amazed as we delve into the art of creating this iconic dish, one layer at a time.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

SLOW-COOKER SHORTCUT RAVIOLI LASAGNA



Slow-Cooker Shortcut Ravioli Lasagna image

Ravioli, beef sauce and cheese are combined in a slow-cooker to make a delicious Italian dinner.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 6h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb ground beef round
1 cup refrigerated chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jar (24 oz) tomato pasta sauce
1 package (26 oz) frozen cheese-filled ravioli (do not thaw)
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (8 oz)

Steps:

  • Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium- high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.
  • Spoon 3/4 cup of the pasta sauce in bottom of slow cooker. Layer half of the ravioli, half of the beef mixture and 1 cup of the cheese over sauce. Repeat layers with 3/4 cup sauce, remaining ravioli and remaining beef mixture. Top with remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 hours or until ravioli is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 35 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 43 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 150 mg

SHORTCUT INSTANT POT LASAGNA



Shortcut Instant Pot Lasagna image

A classic lasagna cooked in just 25 minutes is the perfect weeknight dinner.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for topping
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
One 9-ounce package no-boil lasagna noodles

Steps:

  • Add 2 cups water to a 6-quart Instant Pot® and set the rack inside with the handles folded under.
  • Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, egg, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl to combine.
  • Spread 1/2 cup marinara in the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan. Break 4 lasagna noodles into large pieces and arrange in an even layer over the marinara. Spread another 1/2 cup marinara evenly over the noodles followed by a third of the ricotta mixture spread in an even layer. Top with another layer of 4 broken lasagna noodles. Repeat the process 2 more times, for 2 more layers of marinara, noodles, marinara, ricotta, noodles. Top with the remaining marinara and cover tightly with foil, making sure to wrap any excess underneath the pan so that it will fit in the pot.
  • Fold an 18-inch piece of foil in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again lengthwise and finally once more in half lengthwise making a 4 1/2-inch-wide foil sling for the pan. Place the lasagna pan in the center of the sling and, lifting the two ends of the sling, lower the pan into the pot.
  • Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high pressure for 25 minutes (see Cook's Note). After the pressure cook cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's guide for natural release. After 15 minutes, being careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid.
  • Remove the lasagna from the pot and let rest 10 minutes. Carefully remove the foil (steam will be locked inside) and serve.

SHORTCUT LASAGNA



Shortcut Lasagna image

My mother and I have been making this lasagna for more than 15 years. The "shortcut" is not having to cook the noodles first, so it's not only quick and easy, but also delicious. My husband and our three children all love it when we have this for dinner.-Jeannette Anderson, Lake Village, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h25m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 envelopes (1-1/2 ounces each) spaghetti sauce mix
2 cans (12 ounces each) vegetable juice
9 uncooked lasagna noodles
2 cups small-curd cottage cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce mix and vegetable juice. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. , Remove from the heat. Cover the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9-in. baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer with 3 lasagna noodles, one-third of the cottage cheese, one-third of the mozzarella cheese and one-third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers twice. , Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 795mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.

SHORTCUT SAUSAGE LASAGNA



Shortcut Sausage Lasagna image

"My family and friends love this great tasting lasagna," writes Cindy Moore of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. "The recipe is almost foolproof. Best of all, there's no need to precook the noodles."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 jar (14 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup water
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Crumble the sausage into a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover; microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring once; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, onion, green pepper, water, olives and salt. , In a greased 11x7-in. microwave-safe dish, layer 1-1/3 cups meat sauce, three noodles, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. , Cover and microwave at 70% power for 21-24 minutes or until noodles are tender. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 443 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 1091mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

SHORTCUT LASAGNA



Shortcut Lasagna image

A lasagna with some time-saving steps that is still yummy.

Provided by elarie

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Lasagna Recipes     Meat Lasagna Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
½ cup water
1 (12 ounce) container cottage cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
8 lasagna noodles
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Crumble beef and garlic into a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high until beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Stir and drain beef. Add spaghetti sauce and water.
  • Combine cottage cheese, eggs, and black pepper in another bowl.
  • Spread about 1/2 cup meat mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the lasagna noodles over sauce and spread with cottage cheese mixture. Top cottage cheese mixture with half the spinach, half the meat sauce, and half the mozzarella cheese; repeat each layer.
  • Cover baking dish with heavy-duty plastic wrap and heat in microwave on high for 8 minutes. Continue to heat in microwave on medium until noodles are tender and cheese is melted, 30 to 32 minutes, turning dish occasionally. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.6 calories, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Cholesterol 56.9 mg, Fat 12.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 20.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 576.1 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality, flavorful pasta sauce. You can use your own homemade sauce or a store-bought sauce. If using a store-bought sauce, be sure to doctor it up with some additional herbs, spices, and seasonings.
  • Don't overcook the noodles. Cook them according to the package directions, but be sure to check them a few minutes before the recommended cooking time is up. You want the noodles to be al dente, not mushy.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses will give your lasagna a rich, flavorful filling.
  • Layer the lasagna properly. Start with a layer of sauce, then noodles, then cheese, then sauce, and so on. Repeat the layers until you have used up all of the ingredients.
  • Bake the lasagna until it is bubbly and golden brown. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
  • Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the lasagna to set and make it easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Shortcut lasagna is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner option, give shortcut lasagna a try. You won't be disappointed!

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