Really Easy Make-Ahead Lasagna for Two

There are few dishes that evoke comfort quite like lasagna. It’s a hug in a pan, a culinary embrace that whispers of cozy evenings and shared meals. While I adore a classic, labor-intensive lasagna, sometimes life calls for something quicker, something that can be prepped ahead and magically appear with minimal fuss. I remember one particularly hectic week, juggling deadlines and life’s unexpected curveballs, when the thought of boiling noodles and assembling a multi-layered masterpiece felt utterly daunting. Yet, the craving for that cheesy, saucy goodness persisted. That’s when this “Really Easy Make-Ahead Lasagna for Two” was born. It’s designed for those moments when you want all the satisfying flavor of lasagna without the fuss, perfect for a weeknight dinner with a loved one or even a delightful solo indulgence.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (plus make-ahead time)
• Servings: 2-4 (can serve four with smaller portions or leftovers)
• Yield: 1 8×8 inch casserole
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (easily adaptable)

Ingredients

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, allowing you to tailor it to your pantry’s contents and your personal preferences.

For the Filling:

• 1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese, not skim
• 1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, not skim, shredded (divided)
• 1/4 cup Egg Beaters egg substitute (or 1 large egg)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup frozen spinach, thawed and wrung very dry (or 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped)
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 6-8 lasagna noodles (I love the no-boil variety for their simplicity, especially a brand like the one from Trader Joe’s for an 8-inch brownie pan)
• 28 ounces spaghetti sauce (or your favorite marinara or meat sauce) OR 28 ounces alfredo sauce (or your favorite creamy sauce)
• Chiffonade basil, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much more than your standard kitchen arsenal for this straightforward recipe.

• 8×8 inch casserole dish or brownie pan (glass or ceramic recommended)
• Medium bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Foil
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

The beauty of this lasagna lies in its simplicity. The make-ahead aspect is key to a stress-free meal.

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (reserving the other half for topping), Egg Beaters egg substitute, grated parmesan cheese, and the thawed and well-drained spinach (or chopped parsley). Season generously with cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a rustic texture.

2. Start with Sauce: Spoon about 1/2 cup of your chosen sauce (spaghetti or alfredo) into the bottom of your 8×8 inch casserole dish or brownie pan. This initial layer of sauce helps to prevent the bottom noodles from sticking and ensures they cook evenly.

3. First Layer: Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce layer. If using no-boil noodles, they can overlap slightly. Spoon one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, spoon on a layer of more sauce, enough to generously cover the cheese mixture.

4. Second Layer: Layer the remaining lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, ideally turning them in the opposite direction of the first layer to ensure even coverage. Spoon another third of the ricotta cheese mixture over these noodles. Top with more sauce.

5. Final Layer: Repeat the layering process one more time. Place the remaining lasagna noodles on top. Spoon on the final third of the ricotta cheese mixture, ensuring it reaches close to the edges of the pan. Top generously with the remaining sauce, making sure all the noodles are covered. Finally, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

6. Make-Ahead Magic: Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce, softening them perfectly without pre-boiling.

7. Prepping for the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This allows the dish to come closer to room temperature, promoting more even baking. Remove and discard the plastic wrap. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the foiled lasagna on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. You’re looking for the lasagna to be hot throughout. A good indicator is when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

9. Crispy Top Option: If you prefer a delightfully crunchy, golden-brown cheese topping, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the lasagna to set, making it easier to cut neat portions and preventing a watery mess. Garnish with fresh chiffonade basil, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spinach Prep is Key: Ensure you wring out the thawed spinach extremely well. Excess moisture can make your lasagna watery. A clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth works wonders for this.
• Noodle Choice: While no-boil noodles are incredibly convenient, if you opt for traditional lasagna noodles, you will need to boil them according to package directions until al dente before assembling.
• Sauce Matters: The quality of your sauce will significantly impact the final flavor. Use a good-quality jarred sauce you love, or whip up your favorite homemade marinara or meat sauce. For a richer lasagna, consider using a combination of marinara and a creamy béchamel sauce.
• Pan Size: An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for this recipe, creating a perfect thickness for the layers. If you use a larger pan, the lasagna will be thinner, and you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller, deeper pan might require a slightly longer baking time.
• Make Ahead Timing: While you can refrigerate for up to two days, remember that the longer it sits, the more the flavors will deepen. If refrigerating for a full two days, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, as the dish will be colder.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This lasagna is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread.

• Serving: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This is crucial for the layers to firm up, making it easier to serve clean portions.
• Leftovers: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat individual portions is in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, until heated through. For larger portions, you can reheat in a covered baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (assuming 4 servings from the casserole). Please note that these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	523.3 kcal	–
Total Fat	25.6 g	39%
Saturated Fat	14.3 g	71%
Cholesterol	82.6 mg	27%
Sodium	951.4 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	44 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16%
Sugars	11.3 g	45%
Protein	28.4 g	56%

(Note: “Calories from Fat” is integrated into the “Total Fat” percentage for clarity in this format.)

Variations & Substitutions

• Meat Lover’s Dream: Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and drain well. Stir the cooked meat into the sauce before layering or incorporate it into the ricotta mixture.
• Veggie Powerhouse: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce or ricotta mixture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Creamy Alfredo Alternative: If you love a rich, creamy lasagna, use a good quality alfredo sauce as your base instead of marinara. You might want to reduce the ricotta mixture slightly or add a touch more alfredo to the layers to maintain a good sauce-to-cheese ratio.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to let the lasagna rest before serving?
A: Resting allows the layers to settle and firm up, preventing the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it and creating a cleaner, more appealing slice.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: While this recipe is designed for make-ahead refrigeration, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna. Ensure it’s well-wrapped and can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, you may need to add extra baking time.

Q: My lasagna seems watery. What went wrong?
A: The most common culprit is excess moisture from the spinach or not draining ingredients thoroughly. Ensure your spinach is squeezed dry and that your sauce isn’t too thin.

Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?
A: Yes, but be mindful of the thickness. A larger, shallower dish will result in thinner layers and potentially a shorter baking time, while a smaller, deeper dish might require a longer cooking duration.

Q: How can I make this lasagna dairy-free?
A: You can substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free ricotta alternative, use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella, and ensure your sauce is dairy-free. For the parmesan, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Really Easy Make-Ahead Lasagna for Two is a testament to the idea that delicious, comforting food doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, a romantic dinner for two, or even a delightful solo meal that promises comforting flavors without the fuss. The ability to prepare it in advance is a game-changer, transforming a potentially stressful mealtime into a moment of relaxed enjoyment. So, the next time a lasagna craving strikes, or you need a fuss-free meal solution, give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear how it turned out and any creative twists you might have added!