Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe—The Ultimate Comfort Food
Let’s talk lasagna recipes—everyone’s favorite comfort food. Hearty, satisfying, and hits all the right notes of cheesy, saucy goodness. Let’s be honest though, the best bites are the crispy edges and this sheet pan lasagna has that in spades!
Classic lasagna recipes can sometimes feel like a big production. That’s where this Sheet Pan Lasagna comes in. Inspired by the queen of Italian-American cuisine, Giada De Laurentiis, this recipe is all about simplifying classic lasagna, without sacrificing flavor!
Why a Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe?
The beauty of a sheet pan lasagna lies in its simplicity. No more fussing with perfect layers or wrestling with oversized lasagna noodles.
By breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces and tossing everything together, this dish becomes both easy and delicious. Plus, using a sheet pan ensures a crispy, golden topping that’ll have everyone fighting for the corner pieces. Aren’t those crispy bits the best part of lasagna anyway?
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks. It has all the comfort and nostalgia of a classic lasagna recipe, but takes half the time to make.
And don’t worry—this dish still packs the robust flavors and textures you’d expect from lasagna. We have layers of soft pasta, tasty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and lots of melted cheese.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
The key to any great lasagna (or sheet pan lasagna, for that matter) is a balance of flavors. For this recipe, we use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. This combination adds rich flavor to the savory meat sauce. Italian sausage, in particular, adds a subtle spice that takes the sauce to the next level.
Then there’s the trio of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Each plays a crucial role in making this dish incredible. Ricotta gives us that creamy, rich base, while mozzarella brings the stretchy, melty goodness. And parmesan? This MVP adds a sharp, nutty finish that ties everything together.
To give a nod to Giada’s love of fresh ingredients, we’re adding spinach to the mix. Not only does it sneak in a little greenery, but it also adds a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the dish.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Lasagna
- Break the noodles into even pieces. Aim for roughly 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper. Trust me on this one—it makes cleanup a breeze and ensures none of that glorious cheesy crust sticks to the pan.
- Layer the cheese strategically. Mixing mozzarella and parmesan into the pasta makes every bite cheesy. Save the rest for the topping to create a delicious golden crust.
- Let it rest before digging in. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting the lasagna cool for 10 minutes makes it easier to serve. It also allows the flavors to meld together.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
If you love Giada’s recipes, you know she makes Italian classics easy for today’s home cooks. This Sheet Pan Lasagna recipe is no different. By streamlining the process, it feels less like a weekend-only project and more like an anytime dinner solution.
What’s more, the sheet pan method creates more surface area for that bubbly, caramelized cheese topping we all love. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pairing Suggestions
This sheet pan lasagna is great on its own. But, pairing it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread makes it feel like a restaurant meal. For a classic Italian twist, pour yourself a glass of red wine—Chianti or Sangiovese are great choices. The bright acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
Make It Your Own
What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Want to make it vegetable-based? Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant. If ground turkey is more your thing, feel free to switch it up.
Prefer something with a bit of a kick? Try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could even switch up the cheeses—try Fontina or Gruyere for a unique twist.
This Sheet Pan Lasagna is your ticket to all the comforting vibes of traditional Italian food without the hassle. With a few smart shortcuts, you can create something that’s both simple and show-stopping. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Ingredients:
- 450 gram box lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the lasagna noodles (broken into 2- inch pieces) and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes.)
- Strain, toss with olive oil, transfer into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F and begin preparing the meat sauce.
- In a large deep skillet, cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat and return to the pan.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, and some salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Once the sauce is done, pour it into the bowl with the prepared pasta and mix it together. Then stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
- Pour the lasagna mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture all over the top of the lasagna.
- Top with the remaining grated mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
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