Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite Ronzoni lasagna recipe with you. This classic lasagna has been a staple in our home for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids, especially, go crazy for it! What makes this Ronzoni lasagna recipe even better is that it uses no-boil noodles, making it super easy to put together. You won’t believe how much time it saves! For another delicious pasta dish, try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Why this Ronzoni Lasagna Recipe is Special
This Old Fashioned Ronzoni lasagna recipe is truly special because it’s both simple and incredibly delicious. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked Ronzoni noodles creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for special occasions too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Ronzoni lasagna. I’ve divided the ingredients into sections to make your shopping and prep work easier.
Meat Sauce Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (I usually use 80/20, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cheese Filling Ingredients
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim is fine)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 8 oz box Ronzoni® Lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! These instructions are easy to follow, even for beginners. If you’re looking for other oven-baked dishes, you might enjoy exploring different recipes using an oval baking pan.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Looking for a different kind of sausage? This Italian sausage recipe baked in the oven is a great option.
Preparing the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. It should be nice and creamy.
Assembling the Ronzoni Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of Ronzoni lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit. Remember, these are no-boil noodles, so no need to cook them beforehand!
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking and Serving
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. For a different take on lasagna, check out this Mama’s Roses Lasagna recipe.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Ronzoni Lasagna
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your Ronzoni lasagna and make it even better. Looking for slow cooker inspiration? Here are some angel hair crock-pot recipes.
Making Ahead and Freezing
This lasagna is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before following the baking instructions. For freezing, assemble the unbaked lasagna, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Adding Vegetables
Boost the flavor and nutrition of your lasagna by adding vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are all delicious additions. Simply cook them until tender before adding them to the meat sauce or layering them directly into the lasagna. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant also work well. Learn more about the healthiest vegetables to include in your diet.
Using Different Cheeses
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in your lasagna. Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta, and you can try different shredded cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella work great. Explore the nutritional benefits of various cheeses to make informed choices for your lasagna.
Meatless Ronzoni Lasagna
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with 1 ½ cups of cooked lentils or a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also use a meat substitute like crumbled vegetarian ground “beef.” Simply follow the same instructions, omitting the ground beef browning step. This Sausage and Broccoli Stir-Fry offers another quick and easy weeknight meal option.
Serving and Storing Your Ronzoni Lasagna
This Ronzoni lasagna recipe makes about 8 generous servings.
What to Serve with Ronzoni Lasagna
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread is another classic pairing, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add a healthy touch.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover a single serving with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake a larger portion in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze leftover lasagna in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making lasagna.
What is the secret ingredient in lasagne?
While there isn’t one magic secret, a pinch of nutmeg in the cheese filling adds a wonderful warmth that complements the other flavors. Also, allowing your meat sauce to simmer for a longer period helps develop a deeper, richer taste.
What are the correct layers for lasagne?
The classic layering order is a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, followed by noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top. Ronzoni noodles make this process even easier since they don’t require pre-cooking.
How to make lasagna more flavorful?
Using high-quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and good Parmesan cheese, can elevate your lasagna. Don’t rush the simmering process for the meat sauce—the longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. A splash of red wine also adds depth.
How to layer Ronzoni lasagna?
Ronzoni lasagna noodles are no-boil, which means you don’t have to cook them before layering. Simply layer sauce, noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers and finish with a final layer of mozzarella on top.
A Family Favorite for Years to Come
This Old Fashioned Lasagna is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition in our family. From busy weeknights to holiday gatherings, it’s the meal that brings us all together around the table. I learned the basics from my mom, but I’ve added my own little touches over the years. The no-boil Ronzoni noodles make it so much easier, and everyone loves the cheesy, bubbly goodness. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home too, creating warm memories and happy bellies for years to come. Enjoy!
PrintRonzoni Lasagna Recipe
This easy Ronzoni lasagna recipe is a family favorite, made quick and simple with no-boil noodles. A comforting, cheesy classic perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz box Ronzoni® Lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
- 2. Add onion to skillet and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- 3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- 4. Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- 5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the dish.
- 7. Layer Ronzoni lasagna noodles over sauce.
- 8. Spread half of the cheese mixture over noodles, then half of the remaining meat sauce.
- 9. Repeat layers: noodles, cheese, meat sauce.
- 10. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- 11. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- 12. Uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and browned.
- 13. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. Substitute cheeses based on preference. For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian, American