Lasagna is a beloved classic, often associated with warmth, comfort, and the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. However, preparing it from scratch can be a daunting task due to the multiple steps involved. Enter American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna – your ticket to a delicious, home-cooked meal without all the fuss.
This no-boil lasagna recipe combines the richness of multiple cheeses, and the tangy zest of pasta sauce, all layered between thin, oven-ready noodles that require no prior boiling. The result? A mouthwatering dish that delivers the traditional flavors you love in less time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, let’s dive into the world of easy, oven-ready lasagna and bring a slice of Italian cuisine right into your home!
What is American beauty oven-ready lasagna?
The American Beauty brand has been a trusted name in pasta since 1917, and its oven-ready lasagna lives up to that legacy by delivering convenience and flavor in one dish. It is available in most grocery stores and comes in a variety of sizes, making it perfect for any occasion.
American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna is a type of lasagna that requires no boiling of the noodles before baking. It is made with oven-ready pasta sheets that are designed to cook perfectly in the oven, eliminating the need for time-consuming steps like pre-boiling and draining the noodles. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals or those who want to prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love this American beauty oven-ready lasagna?
Aside from its convenience, American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna offers a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds begging for more. It combines the familiar richness of multiple cheeses with the tanginess of pasta sauce and layers them between perfectly cooked noodles.
The result is a delectable dish that captures the essence of traditional lasagna without all the work. Plus, it is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or herbs.
Additionally, American Beauty Oven Ready Lasagna is a versatile dish that can be served for any occasion – from a casual family dinner to a dinner party with friends. It is also the perfect option for meal prepping and can be stored in the freezer for future use. Plus, its easy preparation means minimal clean-up, making it a win-win for everyone.
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The Ingredients
- Shredded Mozzarella: This is a key ingredient in lasagna that adds the creamy, gooey texture that everyone loves. When it melts, it binds the layers together, creating that delightful cheesy pull when you serve a slice. It also adds a mild, milky flavor that complements the boldness of the other ingredients.
- Italian Herb Mix: This blend of herbs typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, among others. It is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the lasagna. Without it, the dish would be rather bland. The aromatic quality of these herbs enhances the overall taste profile, making every bite more enjoyable.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a traditional ingredient in many Italian dishes, including lasagna. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, which balances out the tanginess of the tomato sauce. It’s usually mixed with eggs and parmesan to create a creamy layer in the lasagna.
- Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: These are a real-time-saver. They don’t require pre-boiling and go straight from the box into the oven, absorbing the flavors of the sauce while baking. They provide structure to the lasagna, holding all the delicious layers together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that contrasts nicely with the milder mozzarella and ricotta. It’s often sprinkled on top of the lasagna to create a deliciously crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Pasta Sauce: This is the soul of any lasagna recipe. It provides the tangy, robust tomato flavor that is characteristic of this dish. It’s soaked up by the noodles during baking, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding ingredient in lasagna. They’re usually mixed with the ricotta cheese, helping to firm up the cheese layer and hold it together when sliced. They also add a bit of richness to the overall dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. This will save you from any last-minute trips to the grocery store.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature according to the instructions on the lasagna box. Typically, it ranges between 375-400°F (190-200°C).
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with one egg and half of the Italian herb mix. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Layer with oven-ready lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up, ensuring that the final layer consists of pasta sauce and shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake Your Lasagna
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for around 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
Step 6: Let it Cool & Serve
Once done, let your lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to be set and makes it easier to slice into neat portions. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to use an appropriate-sized baking dish for the amount of lasagna you are making. An 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch dish is usually perfect.
- To make it a meaty lasagna, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken between the layers.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
- You can also add a layer of spinach or kale for some added nutrition. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before layering.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
- For a fancy twist, add a layer of pesto or sun-dried tomato spread between the cheese and sauce layers.
Nutrition Information
How to store American beauty oven-ready lasagna?
If you have any leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in the refrigerator. It will be kept for 3-4 days.
To freeze, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or place individual slices in airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before baking it for 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Variations
- Mexican Lasagna: Substitute the traditional Italian ingredients for a Mexican twist. Use salsa, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese between the layers.
- Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna: Replace the tomato sauce with pureed butternut squash mixed with sage. Top with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
- Seafood Lasagna: Layer-cooked shrimp, scallops, and crab meat with alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce. Top with a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Vegan Lasagna: Replace the ricotta cheese with tofu mixed with nutritional yeast, ensuring that it is seasoned well. Use vegan-friendly pasta sauce and top with dairy-free shredded cheese.
- Greek Lasagna: Substitute the Italian herb mix with a blend of oregano, thyme, and dill. Add layers of feta cheese and spinach between the noodles.
Equipment
- Baking Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 cups Shredded Mozzarella
- 2 to 4 tablespoons Italian Herb Mix
- 30 oz. Ricotta Cheese
- 24 oz. Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 48 oz. Pasta Sauce of choice
- 4 Eggs
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients beforehand to avoid last-minute grocery runs.
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the lasagna box, usually 375-400°F (190-200°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, one egg, and half of the Italian herb blend until well combined.
- Assemble the lasagna in layers: pasta sauce, lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top cheese is bubbly. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more until the cheese browns slightly.
- Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Make sure to use an appropriate-sized baking dish for the amount of lasagna you are making. An 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch dish is usually perfect.
- To make it a meaty lasagna, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken between the layers.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
- You can also add a layer of spinach or kale for some added nutrition. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before layering.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
- For a fancy twist, add a layer of pesto or sun-dried tomato spread between the cheese and sauce layers.
Nutrition
FAQs
Q: Can I make this lasagna with homemade pasta sauce?
A: Absolutely! Using homemade pasta sauce in your lasagna can significantly elevate the flavor profile of the dish. When you make your sauce, you have complete control over the ingredients and can adjust the flavors to your liking.
You can use fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and spices, simmering them together to create a rich, robust sauce that’s full of depth and complexity. This can add a personal touch to your lasagna and make it even more special.
Q: How can I ensure my lasagna doesn’t turn out soggy?
A: There are a few strategies you can use to prevent your lasagna from becoming soggy. First, make sure your pasta sauce isn’t too watery – a thicker sauce will be absorbed by the noodles without making them soggy. If you’re using fresh vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture. Also, let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes after baking before cutting into it.
Q: I don’t have oven-ready lasagna noodles, can I use regular ones?
A: Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles if you don’t have oven-ready ones available. However, keep in mind that regular noodles need to be cooked before they’re layered into the lasagna. Follow the package instructions for cooking, but make sure not to overcook them – they should be al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
Wrapping Up
Lasagna is a classic comfort food that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. With these step-by-step instructions, you can easily make a delicious lasagna at home using oven-ready noodles for added convenience. Experiment with different variations and make it your family favorite!
So why wait? Preheat your oven and get cooking! Remember to enjoy and savor each bite of this hearty dish. Share your lasagna creations with us and let us know which variation was your favorite. Happy cooking!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more