Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive ingredients like instant ramen and pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy – No need to pre-boil noodles, making preparation faster.
- Delicious Comfort Food – Combines the best of ramen and lasagna in one dish.
- Customizable – Add vegetables, different meats, or spice it up to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Ricotta or cottage cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meat Sauce – In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Layer the Lasagna – In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of dry ramen noodles. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve – Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce.
- Cheese Lovers – Use a mix of cheddar, provolone, or gouda for extra cheesy goodness.
- Protein Boost – Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- White Sauce Twist – Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep the ramen from getting too soft?
Don’t pre-cook the ramen. It will absorb moisture from the sauce while baking, keeping it firm yet tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to cook the meat before layering?
Yes, cooking the meat first ensures it’s fully cooked and flavorful in the lasagna.
Can I use fresh pasta instead of ramen?
Absolutely! You can swap in fresh or traditional lasagna noodles if preferred.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or gouda for extra flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free ramen or substitute with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
How do I prevent a watery lasagna?
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
Can I add eggs to the cheese mixture?
Yes, adding an egg to the ricotta helps bind the layers together.
What’s a good side dish for ramen lasagna?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Conclusion
Ramen Lasagna is a creative, delicious, and budget-friendly take on a classic dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to share with family and friends. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy the fusion of ramen and lasagna in every bite!
Print
Ramen Lasagna
- Total Time: 50min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ramen Lasagna is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make twist on classic lasagna, using instant ramen noodles instead of traditional pasta. This creative dish layers flavorful marinara sauce, seasoned ground meat, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a delicious, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and highly customizable. Try this unique ramen lasagna recipe for an affordable and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 3–4 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Mixture – In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4️⃣ Assemble the Lasagna – In a greased baking dish, layer meat sauce, dry ramen noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
5️⃣ Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Rest and Serve – Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
