Mouth-Watering Southern No-Boil Lasagna Recipe
Hark! Fellow foodies, lend me your ears! Today, I bring you the most scrumptious and delectable recipe for southern-style no boil lasagna. This dish is perfect for those busy weekdays when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
No boiling required! Yes, you heard it right. With this recipe, you’ll be able to skip the tedious task of boiling lasagna noodles. Instead, you’ll be using oven-ready lasagna sheets, which saves time and energy.
This recipe is a perfect blend of mouth-watering cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and cottage cheese, along with juicy ground beef cooked in tomato sauce. Trust me; this combination will surely make your taste buds dance.
But wait! If you’re a vegetarian, fret not. This recipe can easily be made meatless by simply skipping adding ground beef. And voila! You have a cheesy and delicious vegetarian lasagna ready in no time.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s dive into the recipe to create this easy mouth-watering southern-style no boil lasagna that will surely leave everyone craving for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hark! Ye lovers of hearty and delicious dishes. I beseech thee to try this truly magnificent southern no-boil lasagna recipe. Some may say, “what’s the difference between a classic lasagna and a southern no-boil lasagna?” My friends, the secret is in the noodles! This recipe uses oven-ready lasagna sheets eliminating the tedious step of boiling them which can be a hassle for many.
Furthermore, it’s not just the convenience that makes this recipe special, but also the marvelous combination of ingredients that make the flavors dance in your mouth. From the ricotta cheese to the ground beef and tomato sauce, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds like never before! And let us not forget about the array of cheeses — mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese are used to achieve that perfect gooey and cheesy texture.
Not only is this southern no-boil lasagna recipe easy to make, but it is also versatile. The ingredients list includes spaghetti sauce but feel free to use your own homemade sauce if so inclined or substitute meat for vegetarian alternatives like chopped veggies or tofu.
So why not skip boiling the lasagna noodles and try this southern-style lasagna recipe? You will be rewarded with a hearty, savory meal and enjoy more time to relax with your family or guests with less hassle in preparation. This delectable dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household as it has in mine.
Ingredient List
Make sure to get all of these key ingredients before you start cooking! This recipe requires:
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1 lb ground beef: Make sure to choose high-quality beef that is at least 80% lean, as it will help your dish stay moist and flavorful.
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1 jar (28 ounces) prepared spaghetti sauce: Look for a rich and hearty tomato sauce that is free from preservatives or added sugars.
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6 ounces tomato paste: Use a high-quality tomato paste that is canned without salt or other additives.
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32 ounces tomato juice: Use low-sodium tomato juice for a lighter, fresher taste.
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Add this minced herb to taste.
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Look for a quality, aged mozzarella that has been grated fresh from the block.
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Choose a fine-grained parmesan with plenty of nutty flavor and a firm, crumbly texture.
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2 eggs: Use large, farm-fresh eggs for the best results.
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1 pound cottage cheese: Use high-quality cottage cheese with plenty of creaminess and tang.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First, I heat a large skillet over medium heat and then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot enough, I add beef to the skillet and stir it for around 6-7 minutes until it turns brown.
Step 2: Add Tomato Sauce and Paste
After removing excess grease from the meat, I add 6 ounces tomato paste and stir it until well mixed. Then, I add two cans of 28 ounces prepared spaghetti sauce and stir it gently.
Step 3: Add Tomato Juice
Next, I pour 32 ounces tomato juice over the meat sauce, then add 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper before stirring again.
Step 4: Simmering
I let the mixture simmer on low heat for about an hour to let the flavors blend together nicely. Don’t forget to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Preparation of Lasagna
Step 5: Preheat Oven
I preheat my oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) while still preparing the lasagna.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish
Using a 9×13 inch baking dish, I spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the dish.
Step 7: Layering Lasagna Noodles
Layer three lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. If you’re using oven ready lasagna sheets, you can proceed with layering without cooking them first.
Step 8: Spreading Ingredients
Add around half of a mixture of 2 cups cottage cheese, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top of noodles as a second layer. Then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (about two cups).
Step 9: Adding Meat Sauce
Another layer of the meat sauce is added, covering the cheese completely.
Step 10: Repeat the layering
Repeatedly alternate layers of lasagna noodles, cheese mix, and meat sauce, ending with the cheese mix and meat sauce on top.
Step 11: Finishing Touches
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After removing the foil, return everything to the oven and bake an extra 25 minutes.
Step 12: Resting
Once done, rest lasagna for around 15 minutes before serving. This will give time for everything to solidify and make it easier to cut into proper servings.
By following this Southern No Boil Lasagna Recipe, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering and hearty meal in less than two hours of preparation time!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark, dear reader! If thou art feeling adventurous in thy culinary quest, there is good news for thee. Indeed, thou mayest consider taking liberties with this recipe to create thy own unique twist on the classic southern no boil lasagna. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations to inspire thee:
– Thou mayest replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. Or, if thou art feeling bold, try swapping it with some spicy Italian sausage for added flavor.
– If thee dost not favor cottage cheese, fear not! Thou mayest use ricotta cheese as a substitute for a creamy texture. Or, to keep it vegetarian-friendly, try using firm tofu instead.
– For those who yearn for more vegetables in their meal, add some chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the meat sauce.
– If thou fanciest a cheesy twist on this recipe, try mixing grated Parmesan cheese with shredded mozzarella cheese for added flavor.
– Alternatively, if thee dost not like cheese (gasp!), thou canst experiment with a meatless lasagna by replacing the cheese with layers of sliced veggies like eggplants, squash or zucchini.
Remember, my lovely reader: cooking is an art and art is subjective. So don’t hesitate to experiment and find what suits thy taste buds best. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious southern-style dish!
Serving and Pairing
Once your southern-style no-boil lasagna is hot and ready to serve, it’s time to think about the perfect way to enjoy this scrumptious meal. I recommend serving it directly from the baking dish for that classic family-style vibe. This is a meal that you will want to share with loved ones and savor together around the dinner table.
For a complete meal, serve your southern-style no-boil lasagna with a fresh salad or some crunchy garlic bread. You can also pair it with your favorite Southern-style sides like collard greens, fried okra, or mac and cheese.
For beverage pairings, I suggest serving your lasagna with a chilled glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or even a refreshing iced water infused with fresh fruits like lemons or strawberries.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair it, this mouthwatering dish is sure to satisfy you and leave you feeling warm and cozy with a full belly.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! Thou may feast upon this southern boil lasagna for days to come by making ahead, storing and reheating it. This is an excellent dish to prep in advance and store for days when thee crave the deliciousness of a home-cooked meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch.
To make ahead, cook the lasagna a day or two before thou desire to serve it. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and tin foil before placing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for an hour before reheating. This will ensure that the dish heats evenly.
When storing leftovers, transfer them to an air-tight container and place them in the refrigerator. The lasagna will keep well for up to four days in the refrigerator.
To reheat, use a microwave or preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Then, place individual portions of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate or baking sheet and reheat until heated through. If using a microwave, reheat for about 2-3 minutes; if using an oven, bake for 10-15 minutes.
So whether thou art pining for a hearty weekday lunch or planning a family dinner over the weekend, making ahead and reheating this southern boil lasagna is an effortless way to savor its lusciousness without slaving over a stove for hours at end.
Tips for Perfect Results
Verily, making a southern-style no boil lasagna requires patience and skill. Fear not, for I have gathered some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. You may be tempted to cut corners with lower quality ingredients, but this can greatly affect the end result. Opt for well-known brands of pasta and canned goods, fresh meats and cheeses, and farm-fresh eggs. Trust me my dear friends, it makes all the difference.
Secondly, when making the meat sauce for your lasagna, cook the ground beef fully until it is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease before adding in the tomato paste and sauce. This will ensure a hearty meat sauce that is not too greasy.
Another key tip is to make sure your lasagna noodles are evenly covered with cheese and sauce. While layering the noodles, spoon a generous amount of filling on each layer and spread it out evenly with the back of the spoon. This results in a consistently savory flavor throughout the dish.
When adding cottage cheese to your lasagna recipe, whisk in two beaten eggs along with grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a rich and creamy mixture that binds all of the layers together.
Lastly, allow your lasagna to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set properly so you can avoid a runny mess when you slice into it.
By following these tips my dear friends, you will be sure to impress your family and guests with a delicious southern-style no boil lasagna every time!
FAQ
Harken thee! Many wilt oft be confused with the art of boil lasagna for ‘tis not common in many regions. Thus, forthwith I shall provide thee with a list of FAQs pertaining to the southern no-boil lasagna recipe. Read on yonder and thou shalt findeth the answers to all thine queries.
Is there a trick to no-boil lasagna noodles?
When making lasagna, instead of boiling the noodles, consider soaking them. Not only will this allow the noodles to cook faster in the oven, but it won’t add any extra time to the recipe because the soaking can be done during the sauce’s simmering time. As described by Prakash, this is a great tip to keep in mind when preparing the dish.
Is it okay to boil no-boil lasagna?
Absolutely! It is perfectly fine to boil oven-ready lasagna noodles before layering them in a pasta dish or using them for lasagna roll-ups. In fact, in one of the lasagna recipes I love, which is the Italian lasagna with bechamel sauce, I actually suggest pre-boiling the oven-ready lasagna noodles.
Bottom Line
– A Plea to All Foodies!
Dearest foodies, I must beg of you to give this Southern No Boil Lasagna recipe a chance! I understand the classics are hard to beat, but sometimes a new twist on an old favorite can surprise and delight us.
The combination of tomato juice, paste, and spaghetti sauce add depth and richness to the sauce. The layers of cheese – mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Parmesan – create a dreamy, cheesy medley that is pure bliss.
Plus, the ease of not having to boil lasagna noodles saves so much time and effort. And with options to make ahead or freeze for later, this recipe is a true time-saver.
I implore you to branch out from traditional lasagna recipes and try this Southern-style version. Your taste buds will thank you!
Southern No Boil Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
SAUCE
- 28 ounces prepared spaghetti sauce
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 32 ounces tomato juice
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
- italian seasoning, to taste
- 9 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
FILLING
- 32 ounces cottage cheese
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together.
- Mix all the filling ingredients together.
- Layer the dry noodles, sauce and filling (three layers) in a greased baking dish (9"x13") starting and ending with sauce and leaving space around the edges of the noodles for expansion and for the remaining sauce (the sauce should be very soupy because the excess liquid will be absorbed by the noodles).
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese and bake about ninety (90) minutes (I bake it for one hour covered and the last half hour uncovered) at 325°F or until bubbly in the center.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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