Lasagna lovers, get ready for a twist you didn’t know you needed! This Ramen Lasagna Bake takes everything you love about classic lasagna—savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and layers of comfort but swaps out traditional pasta for ramen noodles. It’s ridiculously easy, budget-friendly, and seriously delicious.
Think about it: tender ramen noodles soaking up rich marinara sauce, layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and creamy ricotta. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part? No need to boil noodles ahead of time! Trust me, this is one of those recipes that’ll make you feel like a kitchen genius.
Why You’ll Love Ramen Lasagna Bake
Easy to Make: No need to cook noodles separately—just assemble and bake!
Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive, pantry-friendly ingredients. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.
Quick & Convenient: Traditional lasagna can take hours, but this version comes together in no time.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
Customizable: Use ground beef, turkey, or even a meatless alternative. Add veggies for extra nutrients, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Ingredients in Ramen Lasagna Bake
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistibly good:
Ramen Noodles: The secret ingredient! They soak up all the delicious sauce and become perfectly tender.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or sausage.
Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce brings everything together. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and slightly sweet, it makes the layers extra luscious. Cottage cheese works as a great alternative.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic lasagna cheesiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite that complements the other flavors.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture, making the layers hold together.
Garlic & Onion: Essential for building deep, savory flavors in the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives this dish its signature Italian taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to the right temperature so everything bakes evenly.
Brown the Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
Mix the Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a bit of Parmesan. This adds a creamy, rich layer to the lasagna.
Layer It Up: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place uncooked ramen noodle blocks on top (don’t break them up!). Add a layer of ricotta mixture, followed by more meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake until the noodles are soft and the cheese is bubbling. Remove the foil in the last few minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Let It Rest: This step is key! Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking to help the layers set before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this fun, flavorful twist on classic lasagna!
How to Serve Ramen Lasagna Bake
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few great serving ideas:
With Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the lasagna.
With Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra nutrition.
With Extra Sauce: Love extra saucy lasagna? Serve with a side of marinara or a drizzle of pesto.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freeze for Later: Freeze individual portions for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight and bake until warm.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
Switch Up the Protein: Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do I need to cook the ramen noodles first?
A1: Nope! The noodles soften as they bake, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! Try a mix of cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the layers?
A5: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this lasagna?
A6: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Q7: Can I make this vegetarian?
A7: Yes! Swap the meat for lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Of course! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q9: Can I use instant ramen noodles?
A9: Regular ramen noodles work best, but you can experiment with instant varieties.
Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Ramen Lasagna Bake is a fun, easy twist on a classic favorite. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor without the fuss of traditional lasagna. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting, homemade meal, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
PrintRamen Lasagna Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Ramen Lasagna is a budget-friendly twist on the classic Italian dish! Made with layers of ramen noodles, rich pasta sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. Perfect for quick dinners and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 8 packages ramen noodles (discard flavor packet)
- 2 jars pasta sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Place 4 ramen noodle blocks in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour 1 jar of pasta sauce evenly over the noodles.
- Spoon and spread the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce.
- Layer the remaining 4 ramen noodle blocks on top.
- Cover with the remaining jar of pasta sauce.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or sausage between the layers.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.
- Top with shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier lasagna.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg