Indulge in Comfort: Night Lasagna Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a hearty serving of lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. But what if you’re craving this classic dish for dinner but don’t have the time to assemble and bake a traditional lasagna? Enter Night Lasagna, a quicker and easier version that doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavors you love. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of making Night Lasagna, perfect for those evenings when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce, and stir to combine. Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the broken lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Layer the Night Lasagna: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, layer half of the cooked lasagna noodles followed by half of the meat sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake or Broil: Place the skillet or Dutch oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let it cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of Night Lasagna, omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and use a combination of sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers instead. You can also add spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with zucchini slices for a gluten-free version of Night Lasagna. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as gluten-free noodles may require less time to cook.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb and keto-friendly version of Night Lasagna. Layer the sliced vegetables with the meat sauce and cheese just like you would with traditional lasagna noodles.
- Low-Carb Variation: Skip the noodles altogether and turn Night Lasagna into a low-carb casserole by layering the meat sauce with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers. Top with a generous amount of cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Night Lasagna is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving the comfort of lasagna but don’t have the time to make it from scratch. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with variations, Night Lasagna is sure to become a favorite go-to dinner option for your family
