Save time and prepare for busy days ahead with this amazing freeze ahead lasagna recipe. With layers of noodles, cheese, & meat sauce, it’s a perfect pasta dinner – without having to cook the noodles first! Make a pan for dinner tonight and freeze another one to have on a later date!
Why You’ll Love this Freezer Meal Recipe
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My mother-in-law was one of those cooks who rarely needs a recipe. She just somehow knew by instinct what to put in a recipe and how much.
I got this recipe from watching her prepare lasagna for a huge group of guests. As she worked away, I jotted down what she was doing. I couldn’t believe that you didn’t need to cook the noodles first, and it turned out great!
This recipe is a perfect freezer meal to make ahead of time and have for busy days or unexpected guests. This recipe makes 2 9×13 inch pans. If you only want to make one pan, just divide the ingredients in half.
If you’re cooking for two (like we are these days), treat yourself to some small sized casserole dishes and assemble multiple ones and put them in the freezer. It’s like having homemade convenience food!
Ingredients (for 2- 9 x 13 pans of lasagna ):
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 1 large container (67 oz) pasta sauce – Prego brand is my favorite
- 1 large container (750g) cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 (375 g) boxes lasagna noodles- any kind
- 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Step by Step instructions for the best make ahead lasagna:
- Brown 3 pounds hamburger and add 1 jar of family –sized (1.75 liters) Prego spaghetti sauce and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for a few minutes. This will become the “meat layer”.
- Grate 4 cups mozzarella cheese
- Assemble layers in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan in the following order:
- small layer meat
- lasange noodles, uncooked
- small layer of mozzarella cheese
- lasagna noodles, uncooked
- cottage cheese
- small layer meat
- uncooked lasanga noodles
- remainder of sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- If freezing ahead, cover with a layer of plastic wrap and then foil. Use a sharpie marker to label it and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I cook make ahead lasagna?
When ready to use, *thaw in refrigerator and then bake covered at 350 degrees for about 1 hour, or until knife inserted in center indicates the noodles are tender. If you notice it is getting dry while baking, pour a bit of water around the edges.
{**Or, if you forget to thaw it, like I do most of the time… Take from the freezer, put it in the oven while it is preheating and bake covered 1 ½ hours at 300 degrees and then bake ½ hour at 350 degrees.}
How do I know if lasagna is done?
Insert a knife in the center of the pan. If it slides through the noodles easily, then the pasta is done and it’s is ready. By that time, you should also notice it bubbling around the edges, and the cheese melted on top, too.
TOP TIPS
- The layers of this lasagna aren’t generous, which is a budget saving tip. If you want to load up the layers with more, feel free to do so!
- Make sure the last layer of sauce covers all the noodles and down the sides well. It should seem just a little bit “thin”, but that is ok. The extra liquid is what helps cook the noodles as it bakes.
- Check on the lasagna during the baking process. If it seems to be getting dry, just pour a little water around the edges.
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More Ideas for Make Ahead Freezer Meals
- Meatloaf
- How to Meal Plan for a Month with 10+ Freezer Meal Recipes
- Chicken Tortilla Bake
- Cheese and Chicken Chimicangas
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The Best Make Ahead Lasagna Recipe
Yield: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Save time and prepare for busy days ahead with this amazing freeze ahead lasagna recipe. With layers of noodles, cheese, & meat sauce, it's a perfect pasta dinner - without having to cook the noodles first!
Ingredients
- (for 2 - 9x13 pans)
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 1 large container (67 oz) pasta sauce – Prego brand is my favorite
- 1 large container (750g) cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 (375 g) boxes lasagna noodles- any kind
- 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown 3 pounds hamburger and add 1 jar of family –sized (1.75 liters) Prego spaghetti sauce and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for a few minutes. This will become the “meat layer”.
- Grate 4 cups mozzarella cheese
- Assemble layers in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan in the following order:
- Small meat layer
- Lasagne noodles, uncooked
- Small layer of mozzarella cheese
- Noodles
- 1 carton (500 ml) cottage cheese
- Small meat layer
- Noodles
- Remainder of sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24Serving Size: 1 grams
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 247Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 231mgCarbohydrates: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 21g
