Name: Irresistible Tomato Lasagna Recipe For Cozy Gatherings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 no-boil lasagna noodles; 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (high-quality); 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Short Description

A warm, comforting tomato lasagna built with tender no-boil noodles, rich ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a savory homemade tomato sauce—perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full-flavored tomato base: Simmered garlic, onion, and quality diced tomatoes create a robust sauce.
Creamy layers: Ricotta and basil bring lush texture and fresh flavor.
Simple yet delicious: No-boil noodles simplify prep without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

9 no-boil lasagna noodles
28 oz canned diced tomatoes (high-quality)
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until golden (~5 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the chopped basil until smooth and well combined.
Layer the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange 3 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture across the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) one more time.
- Add the final layer: noodles topped with the remaining tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the remaining basil.
Bake
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and the lasagna is bubbling around the edges.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set and makes cutting neater.

Servings And Timing

Yield: Serves 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

Variations

Meaty version: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs to the tomato sauce.
Veggie-packed: Layer in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers.
Cheese upgrade: Swap part of the mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a creamier melt.
Spicy twist: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Yes—use about 2 lbs of diced fresh tomatoes, cooking down until they form a rich sauce.

2. Do I Need to Pre-Cook the No-Boil Noodles?

No—they soften while baking in the sauce. Ensure sauce isn’t too thick or dry on layering.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely—assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time.

4. What’s the Best Way to Melt Cheese Evenly?

Cover with foil for most of the bake, then broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to prevent burning.

5. How Do I Prevent a Soggy Bottom?

Ensure sauce reaches a slight simmer before layering and allow the lasagna to rest 10 minutes before serving.

6. Is It Gluten-Free?

For a gluten-free option, substitute no-boil gluten-free lasagna noodles.

7. Can I Add a Béchamel Sauce?

Yes—pour a thin layer of béchamel before the final cheese layer for added creaminess.

8. How Do I Reheat a Single Slice?

Cover it with foil and bake at 350 °F for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

9. What Sides Go Well with This?

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a glass of red wine.

10. Can I Use Low-Fat Cheese?

You can, but full-fat cheeses yield the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Tomato Lasagna is a cozy crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines simplicity and depth—rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and fluffy noodles make it a comforting centerpiece for any gathering. Make it for dinners, parties, or lazy weekends, and enjoy the heartwarming satisfaction of homemade lasagna perfection.

Maggie

Irresistible Tomato Lasagna Recipe For Cozy Gatherings