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Freezer-Friendly Lasagna Recipe

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A comforting and practical lasagna recipe that can be prepared ahead, frozen, and baked later for easy, nourishing meals with rich layers of cheese, savory sauce, and tender noodles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular noodles boiled until al dente)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add tomato ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3 noodles side by side over the sauce. Spoon one-third of the cheese mixture evenly over noodles, then add one-third of the meat sauce on top. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  5. Bake or Freeze: If baking immediately, cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
  6. Freezing Instructions: To freeze, cover assembled (uncooked) lasagna tightly with foil and place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to covered baking time if baking from frozen.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles for best texture after freezing or undercook regular noodles slightly. Simmer sauce until thick to avoid soggy noodles. Rest lasagna 15 minutes after baking for easier slicing. Seal tightly when freezing to prevent freezer burn. Variations include vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and spicy twists.

Nutrition

Keywords: freezer-friendly lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, make-ahead lasagna, comfort food, family dinner, no-boil noodles, freezer meals

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/freezer-friendly-lasagna-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-comfort-meals/