Sheet Pan Lasagna

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Lasagna has always held a special place in my heart — it’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with excitement. But the traditional way of layering and baking in a deep dish can be a little time-consuming, especially on busy weeknights. That’s why I fell in love with this Sheet Pan Lasagna recipe. It gives you all the flavor and comfort of classic lasagna, but in a thinner, quicker, and easier-to-serve format.

What makes this recipe even better is how it cooks evenly across the whole pan, giving you golden, cheesy edges in every slice. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week, and best of all — no one fights over the corners because every piece is perfectly crisped.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Lasagna

This version of lasagna is incredibly easy to prepare, uses fewer layers and ingredients than a traditional deep-dish lasagna, and cooks faster — making it a go-to for busy nights. The sheet pan format also means more of that irresistible crispy-cheesy topping in every bite. Plus, it’s visually stunning straight out of the oven, making it a showstopper for casual gatherings or potlucks.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Lasagna noodles are essential here, but you can go with traditional boil noodles or no-boil lasagna noodles depending on how much time you have. I prefer using no-boil noodles for convenience — they soften beautifully during baking without any extra effort. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, just make sure to cook them until al dente before layering.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is easy to customize. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. If you need a dairy-free option, go for plant-based cheese blends and use a cashew or tofu ricotta. The beauty of sheet pan lasagna is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

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Ingredients for this Sheet Pan Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: These form the structure of the dish. No-boil noodles save time and soak up flavor as they bake.
• Ground Beef: A classic choice that brings rich, savory depth to the meat sauce. Choose lean for less grease.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a flavor base to the sauce.
• Garlic: A must for enhancing the aroma and depth of the meat sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: The backbone of the lasagna, use a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade if you prefer.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild, and essential for that traditional lasagna texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy top layer everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the top.
• Egg: Mixed into the ricotta for structure and richness.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a rimmed sheet pan (about 13×18 inches) with olive oil or non-stick spray. This ensures your noodles won’t stick and helps the bottom crisp up a bit.

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Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onions for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.

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Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, the egg, a pinch of salt, and some chopped parsley or basil. This will be your creamy layer that adds richness and balances the tomato sauce.

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Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, trimming to fit if necessary. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by more sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers — noodles, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella — finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and a dusting of parmesan.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Cover the sheet pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes — just keep a close eye on it.

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Step 6: Rest and Slice

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then slice and serve!

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How Long to Prepare the Sheet Pan Lasagna

Prep Time: It takes about 25 minutes to prep this lasagna, including chopping the onions and garlic, cooking the meat sauce, mixing the ricotta filling, and assembling the layers. Using no-boil noodles speeds things up significantly.

Cook Time: Baking takes around 35–40 minutes total. The initial covered bake ensures everything cooks through, while the uncovered time allows the cheese to get golden and bubbly. Allowing 10–15 minutes to rest post-baking is also essential for clean slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Lasagna

• Use no-boil noodles for quicker prep and easy layering.
• Spread the meat sauce thinly across each layer to avoid making the lasagna too heavy.
• Let the lasagna rest after baking for easier slicing and cleaner layers.
• Don’t overdo the ricotta — a thin, even spread keeps the texture light and balanced.
• A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top adds a golden, crispy crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-saucing: Too much sauce can make the lasagna soggy.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting too soon can lead to a messy slice.
• Undercooking the meat: Always fully cook and season your meat before layering.
• Uneven layering: Spread each layer evenly to avoid thin or overly thick sections.
• Overbaking uncovered: Watch the top during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

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What to Serve With Sheet Pan Lasagna?

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery, and crispy garlic bread is the ultimate lasagna companion.

2. Caesar Salad

A crisp, creamy Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for color and nutrition.

4. Antipasto Platter

Offer some marinated olives, artichokes, and cured meats as a light appetizer.

5. Tomato Basil Soup

A warm bowl of tomato soup adds a comforting, tangy contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers tightly covered or in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

Freezer: Let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–55 minutes or until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the lasagna from getting watery?

Letting it rest after baking is key. Also, avoid over-saucing or using watery vegetables.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a combo of your favorite veggies instead of meat.

Do I have to cover the lasagna with foil?

Yes, covering it ensures the noodles cook through without drying out. Remove the foil later to brown the top.

Can I use store-bought ricotta cheese?

Yes, store-bought works just fine. You can enhance it with herbs or a bit of grated parmesan.

Is it okay to assemble this ahead of time?

Definitely — just cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

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Conclusion

Sheet Pan Lasagna is the ultimate shortcut to comfort food bliss. With layers of cheesy goodness, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles in every bite, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or making your weeknight dinners feel a little extra special. Once you try this version, you may never go back to the traditional method — it’s just that satisfying and simple.

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