Lasagna for Two Recipe

Introduction

This lasagna for two is a perfect cozy meal that delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna without leftovers. It combines a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melty mozzarella for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• Pinch of salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces ground sirloin
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 (8-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons grated
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 no-boil lasagna noodles (I used Barilla)
• 1 cup grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and move an oven rack to the middle position.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, puree the diced tomatoes until smooth and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and pinch of salt, sauté until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the ground sirloin and cook until browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to cook off for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pureed diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, chopped basil, egg, and pepper until well combined.
6. Step 6: To assemble, spread 1/2 cup of sauce in the bottom of a loaf pan. Place one noodle on top, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodle, sprinkle with 1/4 cup mozzarella, and top with another 1/2 cup of sauce. Repeat this layering two more times.
7. Step 7: Lay the final noodle on top and cover with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Spray a piece of foil with non-stick cooking spray and tightly cover the loaf pan. Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any spillover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce bubbles around the edges.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is browned to your liking.
10. Step 10: Remove from oven and cool for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the lasagna to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor, or substitute with dried basil if needed—use about 1 teaspoon dried.
• For a vegetarian version, swap the ground sirloin with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• If you like extra cheesy lasagna, add more mozzarella between layers or sprinkle extra on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze the assembled lasagna before baking for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Yes, but be sure to cook the noodles according to package instructions before assembling the lasagna to ensure they cook properly in the oven.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

You can substitute whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy. Avoid using low-fat milk as it can curdle when heated.

Lasagna for Two Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This Lasagna for Two recipe offers a perfectly portioned, comforting Italian classic made with a rich homemade tomato sauce, layered ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, fresh basil, and tender no-boil lasagna noodles. It’s a quick and easy oven-baked dish ideal for a cozy dinner, featuring savory ground sirloin and creamy cheese that melts into a bubbling golden top.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• Pinch of salt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces ground sirloin
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 (8-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Assembly Ingredients

• 4 no-boil lasagna noodles (such as Barilla)
• 1 cup grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position an oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare Sauce: In a blender or food processor, puree the diced tomatoes until smooth and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt, sauté until the onion is tender and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground sirloin and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in heavy cream and cook until it evaporates — about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the pureed diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, bring to a simmer, and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes while you prepare the cheese filling.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, the egg, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
4. Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce in the bottom of a loaf pan. Lay one no-boil lasagna noodle on top of the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodle. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated mozzarella. Top with another 1/2 cup of sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times: noodle, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce.
5. Top and Cover: Lay the final noodle on top of the last layer. Cover it with the remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella cheese, and the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Spray a piece of foil lightly with non-stick cooking spray and cover the loaf pan tightly.
6. Bake: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes more, or until the cheese browns to your liking.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes to allow the layers to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your perfectly portioned, cheesy lasagna for two!

Notes

• Use no-boil noodles to simplify preparation and reduce cooking time.
• Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it slice more cleanly and prevents it from falling apart.
• You can swap ground sirloin with ground turkey or beef for different flavors or dietary preferences.
• Fresh basil adds bright herbal notes but can be substituted with dried basil in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute no-boil gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce fat content if desired.

Keywords: lasagna for two, easy lasagna, no boil noodles, Italian dinner, baked pasta, ground sirloin lasagna, homemade lasagna sauce