Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Barilla lasagna recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and gooey melted cheese. Despite its reputation for complexity, using Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets makes it easy to create a restaurant quality dish at home. This guide provides everything you need, from a quick history of lasagna to step by step instructions. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is adaptable and delicious. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a homemade lasagna that will impress family and friends. Get ready to serve a meal everyone will love, with seconds (or thirds) guaranteed.

Barilla Lasagna Recipe

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• Author: The Prestons
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

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For the Lasagna:

• 12 Barilla lasagna noodles, uncooked (no boil preferred)
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 ounces) Barilla marinara sauce (or your favorite flavor)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
• Add Barilla marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

3. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Layer 2: Arrange 3-4 Barilla lasagna noodles over the sauce.
• Layer 3: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
• Layer 4: Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
• Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake:

• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

5. Serve:

• Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• No Boil Noodles: Barilla’s no boil lasagna noodles work perfectly in this recipe, saving time and effort.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a veggie lasagna.
• Make Ahead Tip: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

A Brief History of Lasagna

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian cuisine, dates back to the Middle Ages. Its origins can be traced to Naples, where it was traditionally made with layers of pasta, cheese, and rich meat sauces. Over the years, different regions in Italy have put their unique spin on lasagna, with variations that include vegetables, seafood, or béchamel sauce. Today, Barilla lasagna sheets make it easier than ever to recreate this classic dish at home.

Ingredients for Barilla Lasagna

Before you get started, gather all your ingredients to make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional Barilla lasagna:

The Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)

Assembly:

• 1 box Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for topping
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients

Proper preparation is key to making a lasagna that’s rich and flavorful. Follow these steps to ensure everything is ready to go.

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until smooth.
2. Keep the shredded mozzarella cheese separate for layering later.

Step by Step Assembly of Barilla Lasagna Recipe

1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.

2: Layer the Ingredients

1. Start with Sauce: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the lasagna sheets from sticking.
2. Add Lasagna Sheets: Place a layer of Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets on top of the sauce. You can slightly overlap the sheets to cover the bottom completely.
3. Cheese Layer: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the lasagna sheets. Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella on top.
4. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by lasagna sheets and cheese mixture. Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
5. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan on the final layer for a golden, cheesy crust.

3: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Customizing Your Barilla Lasagna Recipe

One of the best things about lasagna is its versatility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce made from zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and eggplant.
• Gluten Free Option: Use Barilla’s gluten free lasagna sheets for a dish that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
• Extra Creamy: Swap the ricotta with cottage cheese or add a layer of béchamel sauce for an ultra-creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve. Pair your Barilla lasagna with the following:

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
• A glass of your favorite red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot.

For a finishing touch, garnish the lasagna with fresh basil leaves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while making Barilla lasagna recipe

Even experienced cooks can run into a few issues when making lasagna. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Skipping the Resting Time: Always let your lasagna rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
2. Too Much Sauce: Using too much sauce can make your lasagna soggy. Keep the layers balanced.
3. Dry Lasagna: If the lasagna sheets absorb too much liquid, your dish can turn out dry. Add a bit of extra sauce if this happens.
4. Overlapping Sheets Incorrectly: Ensure the lasagna sheets are evenly layered to avoid uneven cooking.

Storing and Reheating Lasagna

Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Refrigeration: Cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, cut the lasagna into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first.

FAQs About Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Do I need to pre cook Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets?

No, Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets do not require pre cooking. They soften as the lasagna bakes.

Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when ready to serve.

Can I use store bought marinara sauce instead of homemade meat sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade sauce adds more flavor, store bought marinara is a convenient alternative.

How do I know when the lasagna is done?

The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is golden and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I add other cheeses to the Barilla lasagna recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add cheeses like provolone or Gouda for extra richness.

Do you need to boil Barilla lasagna?

No, you do not need to boil Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets. These sheets are specially designed to be used straight from the box, making the preparation process faster and more convenient. They soften perfectly during baking as they absorb moisture from the sauce and cheese layers. Just ensure your sauce is adequately moist to allow the sheets to cook through properly.

What are the correct layers for lasagna?

The correct layering technique for lasagna is key to achieving a well structured and flavorful dish. Here’s the ideal order of layers:

1. Start with Sauce: Begin with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
2. Add Lasagna Sheets: Lay the Barilla lasagna sheets in a single layer, slightly overlapping them if needed.
3. Spread Cheese Mixture: Add an even layer of ricotta or your preferred cheese mixture.
4. Repeat Layers: Alternate between sauce, lasagna sheets, and cheese mixture. Repeat this sequence until all ingredients are used, typically about 3-4 layers.
5. Finish with Sauce and Cheese: End with a final layer of sauce topped generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crust.

This layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Should I bake lasagna covered or uncovered?

You should bake lasagna covered for the first portion of the cooking time, then uncover it toward the end. Covering the lasagna with aluminum foil helps prevent the top layer from drying out and allows the pasta sheets to cook evenly by trapping steam. Here’s a guideline:

• Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
• Finish Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to melt and turn golden brown.

Also, If you prefer extra crispy edges, you can broil the lasagna for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Do no boil lasagna noodles really work?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles, like Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets, work wonderfully when used correctly. These noodles are pre cooked and then dried, so they rehydrate and soften as the lasagna bakes. For the best results:

• Ensure your sauces have enough moisture, as the noodles rely on this liquid to cook properly.
• Cover the lasagna for the initial bake to trap steam and aid in softening the noodles.
• Avoid overly thick or dry sauces, as they can leave the noodles undercooked.

When used as directed, no boil noodles provide the same delicious texture as traditional boiled noodles, saving you valuable prep time and eliminating an extra cooking step.

Should you bake lasagna covered or uncovered?

Bake covered for the first 25-30 minutes, then uncovered for 20 minutes to brown the cheese.

What are the correct layers for lasagna?

Start with sau

Do no-boil lasagna noodles really work?

Yes, they soften perfectly during baking if there’s enough sauce for moisture.

Do I need to boil Barilla lasagna sheets?

No, Barilla oven ready lasagna sheets do not require boiling. Use them directly in your recipe.

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Conclusion

Making Barilla lasagna recipe at home is simple with just a few ingredients and the right steps. Oven ready lasagna sheets save time, while layers of meat sauce, cheese, and pasta ensure a delicious meal. The recipe is versatile, add vegetables, use gluten free noodles, or try a spicier sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep, storing, and reheating well for busy weeknights. Follow the layering instructions, cover during baking, and let it rest before slicing for the best results. Gather your ingredients, and enjoy a classic Italian dish that’s sure to impress. Share your experience in the comments below.