Busy weeknights call for effortless meals that deliver comfort without the hassle. This one-pot recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade lasagna but dreads the cleanup.
Made with simple ingredients like mozzarella, ricotta, and jarred marinara, this dish brings all the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time.
Plus, using a loaf pan keeps portion sizes perfect for two while minimizing waste.
Why This One-Pot Lasagna Is a Must-Try
This dish proves that making lasagna doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive process. By assembling everything in one loaf pan, you get layers of cheesy, saucy perfection without extra pots and pans.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or need a satisfying meal for yourself, this lasagna delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
- No need to cook the noodles beforehand—just layer and bake.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients for a quick meal.
- Bakes perfectly in a loaf pan, making portion control easy.
- Only one dish to clean after dinner—saving time and effort.
Simple Swaps & Variations
This recipe is easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen. Swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Protein boost: Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles between layers.
- Extra veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free ricotta alternatives.
- Spice it up: A dash of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning enhances the flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Meals
Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. This one-pot recipe is perfect for meal prepping or preparing ahead of time:
- Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat and enjoy.
- Freeze individual portions for a quick, homemade meal anytime.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Lasagna
To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Use quality marinara: A good sauce makes all the difference in taste.
- Don’t skimp on cheese: The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan creates the ultimate creamy and cheesy bite.
- Layer evenly: Distribute the ingredients to ensure every forkful is packed with flavor.
- Cover while baking: This keeps the lasagna moist and prevents the cheese from burning before everything is fully cooked.
Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this one-pot recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.
This simple, mess-free take on classic lasagna brings big flavors with minimal work. Try it tonight and enjoy a homemade meal without the fuss!
Easiest-Ever Tomato & Cheese Lasagna for Two One-Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan (A 9 x 5-inch loaf pan also works)
Ingredients
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (1 cup), divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces ½ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups jarred marinara sauce
- 3 no-boil lasagna noodles divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and adjust rack to the middle position. In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold in ricotta, leaving some clumps.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread ¼ cup marinara sauce in an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan. Place 1 noodle in the dish and top with ½ cup marinara sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce. Repeat the layering of noodles, sauce, and ricotta once more. Top with the remaining 1 noodle, ¼ cup sauce, and ¼ cup mozzarella (in that order). (You can refrigerate the assembled lasagna for up to 24 hours; increase covered baking time in Step 3 to 45 minutes if refrigerated.)
- Bake covered: Cover tightly with greased aluminum foil and bake until bubbling around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is golden brown and spotty, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.