This fast and easy “lasagna” recipe contains almost all the same ingredients to make it taste the same, without the time-consuming layering process. With a few ingredient substitutions, it’s even considered low fat and packed with protein!

(Any information in the post is for general information purposes only and is NOT medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for individual medical and nutrition advice.)

Since my teen years, I have LOVED lasagna. However, it is extremely cumbersome to make. The noodles are large and tear easily, and placing layers in the pan takes FOREVER! Although I have previously spent hours to make the layered dish, I’ve often avoided making lasagna for this exact reason. Then one day, I simply decided to try making a dish with the same flavor but faster and easier. Somehow, it worked! Hence, my “Cheater’s Lasagna” recipe was born.

My favorite part of this recipe is how easy it is. It takes only 5 ingredients and about 30-40 minutes of effort, then I can just put it in the oven and let it bake. I like to make this in the morning, then cover and put it in the fridge. Once I get home from work, I simply put it in the oven while I do other things, like set the table, sift through book bags, unpack lunches, etc.

Lasagna can get rather high in both fat and sodium, so to make this a healthier dinner I like to buy reduced or low-fat cheese and lower-sodium marinara sauce. If I have the time, I do prefer to make my own marinara sauce (which is low sodium), but sometimes convenience is a higher priority! I also use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or ground chicken could be substituted, as well. The meat can even be omitted for a vegetarian recipe.

While this recipe is mostly a complete meal, don’t forget to add a vegetable! Adding a side salad or even a bag of frozen vegetables goes great with the lasagna. Want to make it a “fancy” dinner? Add some fresh bread and this Easy Italian-Inspired Olive Oil Recipe , along with a glass of red wine. You’ll feel (almost) like you’re at a nice Italian restaurant!

5 Ingredient “Cheater’s Lasagna” Recipe

Prep Time: 30-40 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 box Penne or Rotini pasta (16 ounces)
• 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 ounces)
• 8 ounces low fat Ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded Italian style blend cheese

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the directions. Once done, drain the water and pour the noodles into a 9 x 13 inch pan
2. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a medium-size sauce pan. Once browned, drain the grease and return the beef to the pan.
3. Take the Ricotta cheese and gently place small spoonfuls on top of the pasta noodles, spreading it out evenly over the entire pan. When all the cheese has been scooped out, very carefully use a spoon or spatula to pat the cheese down and spread it evenly across the pasta.
4. Pour the marinara sauce into the sauce pan with the ground beef, and mix well. Then, pour the mixture on top of the pasta and Ricotta cheese, and spread out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce, being sure to hit the corners and sides
6. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit

Time-Saving Tip: Make a double batch, and freeze half for an easy dinner another night!

*Nutrition Information per serving (8 servings per recipe)

• 430 Calories
• 13 g Total Fat
• 7.5 g Saturated Fat
• 30 g Protein
• 645 mg Sodium
• 57 g Total Carbohydrate
• 5 g Fiber

*Nutrition information is approximate and based on the products that I buy in my home. Information will vary based on the products purchased in your home.