Lasagne, a quintessential Italian dish, holds a rich history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced to ancient Greece, where flat dough sheets were layered with various fillings and baked. However, it was the Italians who truly refined and popularised the lasagna dish into the beloved meal we know today.
The word “lasagne” itself comes from the Greek word “lasanon,” meaning “chamber pot,” which was the container in which this dish was cooked in ancient times. Over time, the lasagna dish has evolved across different regions of Italy, with each area adding its own unique twist to the recipe.
Today, lasagne is enjoyed worldwide, cherished for its layers of pasta, savoury sauce, creamy cheese and hearty fillings. Whether it is a traditional meaty Bolognese lasagne from Emilia-Romagna or a vegetarian-friendly version with layers of roasted vegetables. Lasagne continues to be a timeless favourite that brings people together around the dinner table.
In this recipe, we will show you how to create a scrumptious lasagne dish with minimal effort using ready-made sauce and a one-pot cooking method. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of simplified lasagne making.
Instructions For Easy One Pot Lasagne:
Brown the Meat:
Firstly, start by heating a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Next, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic. Moreover, this adds wonderful flavour to the dish.
Sauce it Up:
Now it is time to add that delicious marinara sauce. Pour the entire jar into the pot with the cooked meat mixture. Do not forget to fill up the empty marinara jar with water and pour it into the pot as well. Additionally, this not only helps to stretch the sauce but also ensures there is enough liquid for the pasta to cook properly.
Bring to a Simmer:
Ensure that you give the sauce mixture a good stir, making sure the meat, onions and garlic are evenly distributed throughout. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. This means small bubbles should start forming on the surface. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavours to intensify.
Layer it Up:
Time to add the star of the show – the lasagne pasta sheets! Firstly, break them into smaller pieces and layer them directly into the pot on top of the sauce. You must make sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. Now, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta sheets, followed by dollops of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover and Cook:
Cover the pot with a lid to trap in the heat and moisture. Reduce the heat to low and let the lasagne simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Therefore, this allows the pasta to cook through and absorb all the flavours of the sauce. Remember to check on the lasagne occasionally.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the pasta sheets are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, it is time to dig in! Ensure that you carefully remove the pot from the heat and let the lasagne cool slightly before serving.
For a finishing touch, you can garnish with some fresh basil leaves if you have them on hand. Dish up generous portions of this hearty one-pot lasagne alongside a crisp salad and maybe some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients For Easy One Pot Lasagne:
1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar lasange marinara ready-made sauce
1 cup water
9 lasagne pasta sheets, uncooked
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Lasagna Dish Variations
Lasagne is like a blank canvas waiting to be filled with all sorts of delicious flavours! Firstly, you have got your classic meaty version with rich Bolognese sauce, perfect for meat lovers. But if veggies are more your thing, there is a whole world of options like veggie-packed lasagne with roasted vegetables or creamy spinach and ricotta. Feeling fancy? Try seafood lasagne with shrimp, scallops and fish in a luscious white sauce, or go gourmet with truffled mushroom lasagne for an extra touch of luxury. Adding to this, if you are up for something really different, why not try Mexican-style enchilada lasagne or teriyaki chicken lasagne for a fun fusion twist?
How To Make Lasagne With Ready-Made Sauce?
Who says making a lasagna dish has to be complicated? With this easy one pot lasagne recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of this classic Italian dish without the fuss. However, by using ready-made sauce and a simplified cooking method, you can whip up a mouth watering lasagne in no time. So gather your ingredients, grab a pot, and get ready to indulge in a cosy, comforting meal.
If you are looking for other foodie inspiration, then check out this Sticky Pork Noodles recipe and this Beef Shin Ragu with Spirali Pasta
