Ultimate Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna
Indulge in the richness of this Ultimate Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna that combines layers of savory Italian sausage, a creamy and flavorful cottage cheese blend, and a homemade tomato sauce bursting with fresh flavors. This dish takes the convenience of no-boil noodles and elevates it with a hearty filling and an abundance of gooey mozzarella, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The carefully crafted homemade sauce balances acidity and sweetness, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying. Prepare to impress with this comforting classic, all without any boiling or fuss!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
no-boil lasagna noodles
9 ounces (1 box)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
nonfat cottage cheese
28-32 ounces (see notes for exact amount)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 cups (shredded)
parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
bulk Italian sausage
1 lb (removed from casing)
onion
1 small (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
stewed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
28 ounces (2 (14 ounce) cans)
tomato paste
6 ounces (1 can)
red wine
3/4 cup (for flavor)
water
1/2 cup (for the sauce)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (divided)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (divided)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the cottage cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and the grated parmesan or romano, mixing well. Add the black pepper and 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, and stir until combined.
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the bulk Italian sausage and diced onion, cooking until the sausage is browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
If there’s excess oil, drain it from the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, and then gradually pour in the red wine and water, mixing well.
5
In a food processor, pulse the canned tomatoes until finely chopped. Add them to the skillet along with all of their juices. Stir to combine.
6
Season the mixture with remaining dried oregano and basil, and bring it to a gentle simmer until bubbling, then remove it from the heat.
7
Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce evenly across the bottom of a 13 x 19 inch baking dish.
8
To layer the lasagna, add 1/4 of the no-boil noodles over the sauce, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and 1 1/4 cups of the sauce. Repeat the layering process twice more.
9
Finally, top the last layer with the remaining 1/4 of noodles, the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.
10
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 55 minutes. After that, uncover it and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the top to brown lightly.
11
Remove from oven and let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before cutting into serving pieces.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
26.7g
Carbs
18.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the noodles for this lasagna?
No, this recipe specifically uses no-boil lasagna noodles which cook in the sauce while baking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
Bake the lasagna covered for 55 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if preferred.
What type of meat is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How long should the lasagna rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven to make cutting easier.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 13 x 19 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How many cups of mozzarella cheese are needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese in total.
What is the purpose of adding red wine to the sauce?
Red wine is added to enhance the flavor profile and richness of the homemade tomato sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned stewed or diced tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you peel and pulse them first.
How many eggs are used in the cheese mixture?
Two lightly beaten eggs are mixed into the cheese blend.
What are the primary herbs used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried oregano and dried basil, divided between the cheese mixture and the sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of this lasagna.
How much protein does a serving contain?
Each serving contains approximately 18.3 grams of protein.
Is the cottage cheese used fat-free or full fat?
The recipe specifies using 28-32 ounces of nonfat cottage cheese.
How many layers of noodles are in this lasagna?
The lasagna consists of four layers of no-boil noodles.
What should I do if I do not have a food processor?
You can finely chop the canned tomatoes by hand or use a blender on a low pulse setting.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 55 minutes of baking.
When do I add the garlic to the sauce?
Add the minced garlic after the sausage and onion have browned, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 26.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use something other than Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or ground turkey, though you may want to add extra Italian seasoning.
Is there a substitute for the red wine?
You can substitute the red wine with beef broth or simply use additional water.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
Do I need to drain the sausage after cooking?
Yes, if there is excess oil in the skillet after browning the sausage, it should be drained.
How much sauce goes on the very bottom of the pan?
Spread 1 cup of the prepared sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish before adding the first layer of noodles.
What type of parmesan cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of either grated parmesan or romano cheese.
What are the dimensions of the baking dish?
The recipe specifies using a 13 x 19 inch baking dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it before baking; however, you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include lasagna, one dish meal, cheesy, Italian, comfort food, no-boil, pasta, and family meal.
What is the fat content per serving?
The estimated fat content per serving is 10 grams.