Baked Comfort Food Lasagna

Name: Baked Comfort Food Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil); 2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Comforts

I absolutely love making Baked Comfort Food Lasagna when I want a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The layers of perfectly cooked pasta combined with rich marinara and creamy béchamel sauce create a dish that's both satisfying and deeply comforting. It's become a family favorite, especially during chilly evenings. I often find myself experimenting with various cheeses and vegetables to switch things up, but the core elements remain unchanged for that classic comfort food experience.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T02:37:35.975Z

When I first attempted to make lasagna, I was overwhelmed by all the layers and sauces, but I quickly learned that the secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. I found that using no-boil pasta saves so much time without sacrificing the authenticity of the dish. Combining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious cheese layer that pulls everything together beautifully.

Every time I serve my Baked Comfort Food Lasagna, there's an unspoken agreement around the table: we all want seconds. A tip I've learned is to allow the lasagna to rest before slicing; this will keep the layers intact and make for perfect portions. It’s the ideal dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Layers of gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce
Comforting and filling for those chilly nights
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

Understanding the Layers

The beauty of lasagna lies in its layers, where each component plays a vital role in the overall dish. The no-boil lasagna noodles provide a firm base, absorbing flavors from the marinara while retaining their texture. I recommend using a high-quality marinara sauce, as it significantly enhances the flavor profile of the lasagna, making it rich and satisfying. The creaminess of the ricotta adds a luxurious mouthfeel that beautifully complements the tangy tomato sauce.

The cheese mixture, especially with the addition of an egg, plays a crucial role in binding the layers together. This not only helps in maintaining the structure of the lasagna once it’s baked but also contributes to a delightful creaminess. If you prefer, you can substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option or even blend in some spinach for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Baking and Textures

Baking the lasagna with foil helps to retain moisture and allows the noodles to cook evenly, preventing them from becoming too hard or chewy. After the initial covered baking period, removing the foil is essential for the final 15 minutes. This step is where the magic happens: the mozzarella on top melts and develops golden, bubbly edges, giving it that inviting appeal. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown - we’re aiming for a golden top, not burnt edges.

Letting the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking is vital; it helps the layers to set up, making it easier to slice and serve. During this time, the residual heat will continue to meld the flavors together, creating a harmonious dish. If you’re tempted to skip this step, you may end up with a messy serving, but trust me, the wait is worth it!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

For the Lasagna

9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your preferences or to make it more saucy or cheesy!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before assembling the lasagna.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and set aside.

Layer the Ingredients

In a baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce. Then add three lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and more marinara. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with marinara and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pair your lasagna with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Experimenting with different cheeses can also elevate your lasagna to new levels.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Lasagna is a fantastic dish to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance and store it, covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. If you need to freeze it, I recommend baking it first and then cooling completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat individual portions, you can use the microwave or the oven. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, about 20-25 minutes.

Fun Variations

Don't hesitate to get creative with your lasagna! You can incorporate a variety of vegetables, like sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, between the layers. Incorporating these will not only enhance the nutrition of the dish but also add a different texture and flavor. For a meaty option, crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef mixed into the marinara can bring a different richness that complements the cheeses beautifully.

If you’re looking to shake things up even further, consider trying a white sauce instead of marinara for a Bechamel lasagna. It gives a rich, creamy texture that is equally comforting. Alternatively, swap the ricotta for a vegan cream cheese blend to cater to a plant-based diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy this warm, hearty meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it the next day. Just ensure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Baked lasagna can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese can be a great substitute for ricotta if you prefer a lighter option.

→ How long should I let the lasagna rest?

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes for better slicing and serving.