Ingredients
Method
- Step1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the Barilla marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture for Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
- Add parsley (if using) and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step3: Assemble the Barilla Lasagna Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 3–4 Barilla lasagna sheets over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the sheets.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (sheets, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Pour 1 cup of water or broth around the edges of the dish to help the lasagna sheets cook evenly.
- Step4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Notes
Don’t Overload Layers: Keep layers thin and even to ensure the lasagna cooks uniformly and holds its shape when sliced.
Start and End with Sauce: Begin with a layer of meat sauce and end with sauce and cheese to prevent the lasagna sheets from drying out.
Use Enough Liquid: Barilla no-boil lasagna sheets absorb liquid during baking, so ensure there’s enough sauce and added water or broth for soft, perfectly cooked pasta.
Blend Smoothly: Use a whisk to blend the ricotta, egg, and seasonings into a creamy consistency for easier spreading.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a touch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for a subtle depth of flavor.
Mix Cheese Types: Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for a rich, gooey top layer.
Cover for Moisture: Covering the lasagna with foil during the first part of baking traps steam, ensuring the sheets cook evenly and the layers stay moist.
Broil for a Golden Top: After baking, broil the lasagna for 1–2 minutes to brown the top cheese layer. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner.
Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave, covered, to retain moisture.
No-boil lasagna sheets are designed to cook directly in the oven with enough liquid in the sauce and cheese layers.
Lasagna can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance; allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Watery lasagna can be avoided by using a thick, well-simmered meat sauce and draining vegetables thoroughly.
