If you love the comforting, cheesy layers of traditional Italian lasagna but want a quicker, fuss-free version, this Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe is a total game-changer. It captures all the classic flavors you adore—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and that hint of spinach goodness—in one easy-to-assemble pan. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, turning lasagna night into a joyful, stress-free experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and come together to create that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the savory ground beef, tender noodles, or the cheesy toppings that melt just right.
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces: Breaking the noodles saves time and ensures even layering without the hassle of whole sheets.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base that’s rich and satisfying.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Brings in an aromatic punch that brightens the sauce.
- 24 ounces pasta sauce: The tomato-forward foundation that ties all flavors together beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the dish authentic Italian vibes.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle bite and warmth.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Offers a creamy, luscious texture and mild tang that complements the meatiness.
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and well drained: Sneaks in some greens, adding both color and nutrition without overwhelming the taste.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Magic cheese that melts into irresistible gooeyness.
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Brings a salty, nutty finish with beautifully golden browned edges.
How to Make Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Broken Lasagna Noodles
Start by boiling a large pot of water and adding the broken lasagna noodles. Cooking them until al dente ensures they hold their shape and have just the right bite in the finished dish. Once done, drain and transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl to prepare for layering.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Flavor Base
In a deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. This step is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly. Make sure the meat is fully browned, as this deepens the flavor. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat so your sauce isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Next, stir in your pasta sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a rich, saucy masterpiece.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta-Spinach Mixture
While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, well-drained thawed spinach, and a dash of salt and pepper in a bowl. This creamy, green-speckled blend adds a fresh and velvety layer to the lasagna.
Step 5: Mix Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheese
Pour the flavorful meat sauce into the bowl with the cooked noodles, then fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This step ensures every bite is packed with meaty, cheesy goodness that’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 6: Assemble in the Sheet Pan
Lightly spray a 13×18-inch sheet pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly across the entire pan, creating the first layer of your lasagna.
Step 7: Add Ricotta-Spinach Dollops and Cheese Topping
Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta-spinach mixture on top of the pasta layer, giving pockets of creamy richness throughout. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface to melt and brown beautifully during baking.
Step 8: Bake and Rest
Bake the assembled sheet pan lasagna in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to let everything set and make slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the rich, cheesy layers. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan on top right before serving for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty sheet pan lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is a perfect choice to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist during casual gatherings, serve the sheet pan lasagna in individual small ramekins or use it as a filling for lasagna-stuffed bell peppers. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for both cozy family dinners and entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sheet pan lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day leftovers even better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the lasagna tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To revive that bubbly cheese finish, remove the foil for the final 5 minutes of heating, and watch the magic happen again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of broken dried ones?
Absolutely! If you have fresh noodles, you can cut them into pieces and use them similarly. Just be mindful that fresh noodles cook faster and may absorb sauce differently, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative. The rich tomato sauce and cheese mix will keep this dish hearty and satisfying.
Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables before adding them?
For this recipe, the frozen spinach is thawed and well-drained ahead of time. Other fresh vegetables like onions and garlic are cooked with the meat or sautéed separately to bring out their best flavors and avoid excess moisture.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
You can swap ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have on hand, but expect a slightly different texture and creaminess. Blending cottage cheese before mixing helps achieve a smoother consistency similar to ricotta.
What type of pasta sauce works best for this recipe?
A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce works great. Choose one with good seasoning and a balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the hearty components of this lasagna.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Lasagna Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of traditional lasagna with the ease of a single-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a lively family gathering, it’s a delicious way to make everyone feel hugged by great food. Give it a try soon—you’re going to fall in love with how effortlessly it comes together and how deeply satisfying every bite feels.
PrintSheet Pan Lasagna Recipe
This Sheet Pan Lasagna offers a convenient and delicious twist on the traditional layered lasagna. By breaking the noodles into pieces and mixing the ingredients together, this recipe simplifies assembly while maintaining all the rich flavors of classic lasagna. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it combines ground beef, savory pasta sauce, creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all baked on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup and a golden, bubbly finish.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Spinach Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl; set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until browned and fragrant. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Ricotta and Spinach: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with thawed and drained spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well; set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Pour the meat sauce into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly, then fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare Sheet Pan: Lightly spray a 13×18-inch sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Lasagna Base: Spread the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly across the sheet pan for an even layer.
- Add Ricotta-Spinach Topping: Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta and spinach mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire dish.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces allows for quicker cooking and easier mixing.
- Ensure the frozen spinach is fully thawed and squeezed dry to prevent excess moisture.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use a sharp knife to cut serving squares after the dish has rested to maintain its shape.