Make Ahead Lasagna

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The Best Make Ahead Lasagna has three kinds of cheese, two different meats, one fantastic homemade sauce, and oodles of real noodles that require absolutely zero boiling. It all adds up to an award-winning, freezer-friendly recipe I’ve been making (and loving) for over a decade. 

The best make ahead lasagna slice on a white plate.


 

Over the years, I tweaked this recipe to get everything exactly right. Here’s what I love about it:

You can make it ahead. The lasagna needs at least 5 hours to chill and let the sauce soften the noodles, but you can definitely make it the night before (even 3 days before) and bake it when you need it. Want your own freezer lasagna? Wrap it up in foil once you assemble it, no need to bake it beforehand. Then stash it away for dinner emergencies.

It uses real lasagna noodles. I’ve always hated the “oven-ready,” pre-boiled, no-boil lasagna noodles, which fall apart in the pan. Real noodles taste better, period. And with this recipe, you don’t even cook or soak them.

Homemade meat sauce. A quick and easy, 20-minute meat sauce loaded with ground beef and Italian sausage.

Oven Ready Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for the best make ahead lasagna.

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

  • Ground meat: I prefer 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage (2 pounds total). Or use just ground beef, just ground Italian sausage, or choose another ground meat entirely (such as ground turkey).
  • Sugar: Even a tablespoon is too much for some people. If you don’t like the sound of sugar in your meat sauce, please leave it out. In my family, people add ¼ cup or even up to ½ cup.
  • Italian seasoning: It’s easy to make your own homemade Italian seasoning with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram.
  • Fennel seeds: The seeds make the Italian sausage flavors pop. If you love the taste of a sweet tomato sauce, use just ground beef (no sausage), at least ¼ cup sugar, and omit the fennel seeds.
  • Ricotta cheese: Make your own ricotta with just 4 ingredients: Milk, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.
  • Lasagna noodles. NOT “oven ready” or “no-boil noodles.” Those pre-cooked noodles will shred on your fork in the most unappetizing way, while the “real” noodles will soften in the fridge in just 5 hours

How to Make No Boil Lasagna

Recipe revision: I updated this Lasagna recipe to make just the amount you need (2 quarts). In the past, my recipe made a quart of extra sauce. You can download a PDF of the original lasagna recipe ( <– click this link) if you are looking for that.

To make the meat sauce:

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add beef (or sausage) and onion, and cook until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain if desired. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Ground beef and onion cooked in a saucepan.
  1. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper). You should have about 2 quarts of sauce.
Italian meat sauce in a saucepan.

To make the cheese filling:

  1. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and salt. Chill until the sauce is finished.
Ricotta cheese mixture for lasagna.

How to Layer Lasagna

  1. In the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish, spread 2 cups meat sauce. Arrange a single layer of uncooked noodles over the meat sauce (I sometimes do 3 full-size noodles lengthwise and then a partial noodle crosswise).
The best make ahead lasagna being assembled in a white baking dish.
  1. Spread with a heaping 2/3 cup of the ricotta mixture. Top with about 1 ½ cups (5 ounces) of mozzarella. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese.
The best make ahead lasagna in a white baking dish.
  1. Spoon 2 cups meat sauce over the cheese. Make another layer of noodles, ricotta mixture (heaping 2/3 cup), mozzarella (1 ½ cups) and Parmesan (⅓ cup). Repeat layers 1 more time, for a total of 3 layers. Spray a large piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover baking dish. Refrigerate at least 5 hours or overnight.
The best make ahead lasagna in a white baking dish before being baked.
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes longer. Cool 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving if desired.
The best make ahead lasagna in a white baking dish.

No Boil Lasagna Recipe Tips and Variations

  • Yield: As written, the lasagna is made in a 9” by 13” baking dish, enough for 12 servings.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: Make this recipe up to 3 days before you need it and keep it in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer: Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed (preheat oven to 375 degrees, bake 25 minutes with foil, 25 minutes without foil). To bake the frozen lasagna straight from the freezer, bake 1 hour covered with foil and 24 minutes without the foil (the lasagna must reach 165 degrees on an internal thermometer).
  • Store-bought sauce: You’ll need 2 quarts of sauce for one pan of lasagna. You might want to add a little extra water if the sauce is on the thick side. This lasagna recipe uses a wet sauce so the noodles can soften in the liquid.
  • Disposable aluminum pans: I’ve made this in aluminum pans without a problem. They’re just fine!
  • Pesto: Got a jar of pesto in the pantry, or homemade pesto in the refrigerator? Add a surprise layer somewhere for lots of extra flavor.
  • Lasagna as a soup: Dinner in 30 minutes with my stove top Lasagna Soup, or set and forget my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup with only 10 minutes of prep.

What to Serve With Lasagna

Round out your Italian feast with an Italian-inspired salad such as a Caesar salad or antipasto salad. Add a side of garlic bread or bruschetta on toasted crostini. If you prefer a vegetable side, choose something green and light such as roasted green beans with lemon.

For dessert, choose any Italian classic such as Tiramisu or a basket of crunchy Italian pizzelle. If you’re looking for a cocktail, try an Aperol Spritz or a pitcher of Red Sangria.

How to Store No Boil Lasagna

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Make ahead:

Make this recipe up to 3 days before you need it and keep it in the refrigerator.

Freezer:

Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed (preheat oven to 375 degrees, bake 25 minutes with foil, 25 minutes without foil). To bake the frozen lasagna straight from the freezer, bake 1 hour covered with foil and 24 minutes without the foil (the lasagna must reach 165 degrees on an internal thermometer).

The best make ahead lasagna in a white baking dish with one piece removed.

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to use no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles shred on the end of your fork in the most unappetizing way, so this recipe uses traditional dry lasagna noodles that soften in the source in a matter of hours. It takes a little bit of planning, but it’s fool-proof!

What is the best cheese for Lasagna?

I love a mixture of three cheeses in my lasagna: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
1. Ricotta is the primary cheese. A layer of ricotta is creamy with a smooth texture, and the other cheeses layer on top of it.
2. Mozzarella melts like a dreamy so you get that classic stretchy cheese you expect. It also has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish.
3. Parmesan adds a savory flavor and saltiness. It’s the least important, but I always add it.
If you don’t like ricotta cheese, substitute cottage cheese or just use more mozzarella. You could also use provolone (just make sure it isn’t smoked). Instead of Parmesan, you could try fontina, pecorino Romano, or asiago.

Round out your menu

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The best make ahead lasagna slice on a white plate.

Oven Ready Lasagna

The best Make Ahead Lasagna has three kinds of cheese, two different meats, one fantastic homemade sauce, and oodles of real noodles that require absolutely zero boiling.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Calories 498
4.99 from 948 votes

Ingredients 

For the meat sauce:

For the cheese filling:

For assembly:

Instructions 

To make the meat sauce:

  • In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add beef (or sausage) and onion, and cook until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain if desired. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, and fennel seeds. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper). You should have about 2 quarts of sauce.

To make the cheese filling:

  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, parsley, and salt. Chill until the sauce is finished.

To assemble and bake the lasagna:

  • In the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish, spread 2 cups meat sauce. Arrange a single layer of uncooked noodles over the meat sauce (I sometimes do 3 full-size noodles lengthwise and then a partial noodle crosswise). Spread with a heaping 2/3 cup of the ricotta mixture. Top with about 1 ½ cups (5 ounces) of mozzarella. Sprinkle with ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Spoon 2 cups meat sauce over the cheese. Make another layer of noodles, ricotta mixture (heaping 2/3 cup), mozzarella (1 ½ cups) and Parmesan (⅓ cup). Repeat layers 1 more time, for a total of 3 layers.
  • Spray a large piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover baking dish. Refrigerate at least 5 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an until hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes longer. Cool 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving if desired.

Recipe Video

Notes

  1. Ground meat: I prefer 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage (2 pounds total). Or use just ground beef, just ground Italian sausage, or choose another ground meat entirely (such as ground turkey).
  2. Sugar: Even a tablespoon is too much for some people. If you don’t like the sound of sugar in your meat sauce, please leave it out. In my family, people add ¼ cup or even up to ½ cup.
  3. Italian seasoning: To make your own Italian Seasoning, in a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp. of dried basil, 2 Tbsp. of dried oregano, 2 Tbsp. of dried rosemary, 2 Tbsp. of dried thyme, and 2 Tbsp. of dried marjoram. Store extra in an airtight container.
  4. Fennel seeds: The seeds make the Italian sausage flavors pop. If you love the taste of a sweet tomato sauce, use just ground beef (no sausage), at least ¼ cup sugar, and omit the fennel seeds.
  5. Ricotta cheese: Make your own ricotta with just 4 ingredients: Milk, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt.
  6. Lasagna noodles. NOT “oven ready” or “no-boil noodles.” Those pre-cooked noodles will shred on your fork in the most unappetizing way, while the “real” noodles will soften in the fridge in just 5 hours
  7. Yield: As written, the lasagna is made in a 9” by 13” baking dish, enough for 12 servings.
  8. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  9. Make ahead: Make this recipe up to 3 days before you need it and keep it in the refrigerator.
  10. Freezer: Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed (preheat oven to 375 degrees, bake 25 minutes with foil, 25 minutes without foil). To bake the frozen lasagna straight from the freezer, bake 1 hour covered with foil and 24 minutes without the foil (the lasagna must reach 165 degrees on an internal thermometer).
  11. Store-bought sauce: You’ll need 2 quarts of sauce for one pan of lasagna. You might want to add a little extra water if the sauce is on the thick side. This lasagna recipe uses a wet sauce so the noodles can soften in the liquid.
  12. Disposable aluminum pans: I’ve made this in aluminum pans without a problem. They’re just fine!
  13. Pesto: Got a jar of pesto in the pantry, or homemade pesto in the refrigerator? Add a surprise layer somewhere for lots of extra flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 498kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 30gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 528mgPotassium: 351mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 343IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 325mgIron: 3mg
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4.99 from 948 votes (820 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. I came across your site searching for a make ahead lasagna for a dinner party I was hosting. I was very nervous trying a new recipe out on a dinner party for 15. Let me just say, this recipe was delicious and a hit with everyone! This will be my go to lasagna recipe and my go to spaghetti sauce from now on. Thank you for such an easy to follow, delicious recipe!5 stars

    1. You’re so welcome, Buffie! I understand how stressful it can be to make a new recipe for soo many people. I’m glad it turned out wonderfully and that you loved it! Take care! – Meggan

  2. Been searching for this for years! I always want to assemble ahead of time and not cook noodles. Will be doing this tomorrow for a dinner on Saturday!

  3. This was absolutely delicious. I made it for company and it was a huge hit. I did use ‘oven ready’ noodles since I grabbed them by mistake. They did not shred or get soggy; I made it the night before. I also used two containers of ricotta. Maybe it depends on the brand.5 stars

    1. Hi Sara, thank you for your comment! I’m so glad it was a hit and didn’t get soggy! – Meggan

  4. Thank you for this recipe. Love it!
    My pan wasn’t deep enough for three layers but it turned out great just the same.

  5. I made this for a party. First time ever making lasagne on my own. Made 2 batches and people LOVED it! So easy and so good. Thank you!5 stars

    1. Hi Danielle! You’re welcome, I’m glad you found it easy and that it was a hit! – Meggan

  6. Does it matter if you put the meat sauce on the noodles and then the ricotta or do the noodles soften better with the ricotta on them. The reason I ask is because I mix my ricotta with some became and pipe it on5 stars

    1. Hi Loretta, the noodles need to be in contact with the meat sauce to soften. Shouldn’t be any issue if you then pipe on the ricotta. Hope this helps! – Meggan

  7. Hi! I would like to make a couple trays of this lasagna to serve a party of 50 that we are hosting at another event space. Could you tell me whats the best way of going about this? Should I assemble ahead, bake it the day of and heat up at the space again?

    1. Hi Angel, I suggest assembling the lasagna the day before and bake the day of. If you aren’t able to, bake as directed and when you’re ready to reheat, bake at 375 covered with foil for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue to reheat until the middle reaches 165 degrees. Hope your party goes well and that you love this lasagna! – Meggan

  8. I had my doubts about the noodles not being precooked but after following Megan’s recipe and leaving the assembled lasagna dish in the fridge overnight as the recipes says…the noodles baked up perfectly!!5 stars

  9. I put my lasagna after assembling it directly into the freezer right after. Will that still turn out okay if it’s cooked from frozen?!

    1. Hi Sahari, no worries! To bake the frozen lasagna straight from the freezer, bake 1 hour covered with foil and 24 minutes without the foil (the lasagna must reach 165 degrees on an internal thermometer). Thank you so much for your question, I hope you enjoy the lasagna! – Meggan

  10. I served this lasagna to dinner guests last night. Here are actual comments: “Wow, this lasagna is incredible”. “This is the best lasagna I’ve ever had “. As the host, I would have to agree. Thank you Meggan for another “stellar” recipe.5 stars