Name: Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled); 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and drained (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken (cooked); 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or zucchini (optional)

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Lasagna is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. This Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta recipe takes the traditional lasagna to a healthier and vegetarian-friendly level by incorporating fresh spinach and ricotta cheese. With a rich marinara sauce and layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this lasagna is a simple yet delicious option.

What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to prepare. With a few simple ingredients, including oven-ready lasagna noodles, you can put together a lasagna that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile—add cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables to make it your own. Let’s get cooking and explore why this spinach lasagna is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick to Prepare

This lasagna uses oven-ready noodles, which means less prep time and no need to boil them beforehand. You can assemble this dish in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional lasagna noodles.

2. Vegetarian-Friendly

Loaded with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, this recipe is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more veggies into their diet.

3. Customizable Ingredients

Add ground meat like beef, turkey, or chicken, or opt for extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to cater to your taste preferences.

4. Make Ahead and Freeze

This lasagna is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory marinara sauce, this spinach lasagna is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, making it ideal for family dinners or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or boiled)
Ricotta cheese
Fresh spinach (sautéed and drained) or frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce
Large eggs
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper

Optional Add-Ons:

Cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken
Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini

Variations

Meat Lover’s Lasagna: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a meatier option.
Vegetable Lasagna: Include sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more veggie goodness.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce for some heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until wilted. Drain any excess moisture and chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, thaw it, squeeze out the excess liquid, and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add in the sautéed spinach and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a portion of the ricotta-spinach mixture, and a layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let it Cool and Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Prevent Soggy Lasagna: Ensure your spinach is well-drained, especially if you’re using frozen spinach, to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for full-fat ricotta and fresh mozzarella for the creamiest and most flavorful results.
Layer Properly: When layering, make sure the noodles are fully covered with sauce and cheese to prevent them from drying out.
Rest the Lasagna: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets properly and is easier to slice.

How to Serve

Serve your spinach lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh basil on top can add an extra burst of flavor and freshness. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea to round out your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready noodles?

Yes, you can boil regular lasagna noodles according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna.

2. Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.

3. Can I add meat to this lasagna?

Absolutely! You can add ground beef, turkey, or chicken to make this lasagna heartier. Simply cook the meat before adding it to the layers.

4. Can I use dairy-free cheese?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free version of this lasagna.

5. How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?

Make sure your spinach is properly drained, and be mindful of not adding too much sauce.

6. How long does it take to bake the lasagna?

Bake the lasagna for about 40 minutes, with the first 25 minutes covered with foil, and the final 15 minutes uncovered.

7. Can I prepare this lasagna the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day.

8. Can I freeze this lasagna?

Yes, this lasagna can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it well and bake it from frozen.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or another cheese of your choice.

10. Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta is a perfect balance of cheesy, flavorful layers and wholesome spinach. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether you stick to the vegetarian version or add some meat, this lasagna will be a hit with everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, get ready to layer up, and enjoy this delicious comfort food that’s both satisfying and nutritious.