One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef
A simplified one-pot lasagna that layers ground beef, ricotta, and marinara sauce for an easy, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 sheets, broken into thirds lasagna noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small, diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 8 broken lasagna noodle sheets in a single layer, submerging them in the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of 1 cup ricotta cheese evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Step 6: Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta and Ground Beef?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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