Sheet Pan Lasagna

The brilliance of this Sheet Pan Lasagna lies in its simplicity and flavor-packed results. You get all the classic lasagna elements—meaty sauce, rich ricotta, and bubbly cheese—but with an easier layering process and faster cooking time. It bakes evenly in a single pan, and the square slices are perfect for serving large families or storing for later.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding a crowd on a weeknight, this version of lasagna offers the ultimate in comfort food with minimal effort. Plus, it still delivers that nostalgic homemade taste, complete with golden cheesy tops and savory Italian herbs. It’s bound to become a go-to favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 small yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1/2 cup water
9 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready)
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking spray or oil for the sheet pan

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a sheet pan (approximately 18×13-inch) with cooking spray or oil.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the meat and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg and mix until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the greased sheet pan.
Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
Repeat layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella).
Top with grated Parmesan. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

When you think of classic Italian comfort food, lasagna is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. With its signature layers of pasta, cheese, and hearty meat sauce, traditional lasagna is rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. But let’s be honest—classic lasagna can also be time-consuming and messy to prepare. That’s where Sheet Pan Lasagna comes in: a modern twist on a beloved classic that delivers all the goodness of traditional lasagna with less hassle, faster cooking time, and easy cleanup.

A Modern Take on a Classic Favorite

Lasagna has been around for centuries, with its roots tracing back to Ancient Greece and evolving through time into the Italian staple we know and love. The layered pasta dish became especially popular in Southern Italy, where regional variations abound—from Bolognese in the north with béchamel to ricotta-laden versions in the south. But no matter where it’s made, lasagna is always about layers of flavor.

This sheet pan version reimagines lasagna by assembling it flat on a single baking tray instead of a deep dish or casserole. It’s a practical innovation that keeps all the textures and rich flavors while simplifying both prep and serving. No more noodles sliding around, no more waiting an hour for the center to cook, and no more towering stacks that crumble apart when sliced.

Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Lasagna

Faster Cooking Time: Because the layers are thinner and spread out more evenly, this version bakes faster than traditional lasagna—ready in just about an hour from start to finish.
Even Cooking: No more mushy centers or crispy edges; the sheet pan allows heat to distribute evenly, cooking the entire lasagna perfectly.
Perfect Slices: The shallow depth makes it super easy to cut into clean, even portions. No messy servings—just tidy squares you can serve right off the pan.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores and reheats like a dream. Make it ahead for meal prep or freeze portions for a no-fuss dinner later in the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or bringing something to a potluck, this sheet pan lasagna feeds a crowd and satisfies every time.

Ingredient Breakdown: Simplicity Meets Flavor

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe a must-try:

Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: This combination gives the sauce a savory depth, with sausage adding extra herbs and spice.
Aromatic Base: Onions and garlic bring balance and bold aroma, elevating the meat and tomato sauce.
Italian Seasoning Blend: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds classic Mediterranean flavor with ease.
Ricotta Cheese + Egg: The creamy, fluffy layer that melts into the noodles, giving each bite that luxurious texture we love.
Mozzarella + Parmesan: Stretchy, melty, and golden when baked, these cheeses make the top layer irresistible.
Jarred Marinara Sauce: Saves time while still bringing robust tomato flavor. You can use homemade sauce if you prefer.
Lasagna Noodles (uncooked): Regular noodles soften perfectly during baking without boiling first—just make sure there’s enough sauce for moisture.

How to Make It Even Better

Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of basil or chopped parsley on top before serving brightens the dish.
Customize the Filling: Want to make it more veggie-packed? Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini between the layers.
Make it Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or a dash of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a little kick.
Use Different Cheeses: Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add provolone for a melty middle layer.
Go Meat-Free: Swap the meat for lentils or plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian version.

Nutritional Benefits

Though lasagna isn’t typically considered a “light” meal, this sheet pan version offers a great balance of nutrients when enjoyed in moderation:

Protein: Thanks to the beef, sausage, and cheese, it’s a protein-packed dish that keeps you full.
Calcium: Cheese and ricotta are great sources of calcium for bone health.
Iron: Red meat offers iron, essential for energy and immune function.
Portion Control: Because it’s spread across a sheet pan, it’s easier to control serving size and avoid overindulgence.

When to Serve Sheet Pan Lasagna

This dish is perfect for:

Weeknight Dinners: Fast enough for a satisfying dinner after work or school.
Meal Prep Sundays: Make it on the weekend, refrigerate or freeze in portions, and enjoy homemade meals all week.
Family Gatherings: Large enough to feed a crowd, and universally loved by adults and kids alike.
Potlucks or Holiday Dinners: Travels well and can be easily sliced and served—plus, everyone loves a cheesy pasta dish!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil or stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave slices for quick meals, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts: Why This Lasagna Is a Game Changer

Sheet Pan Lasagna brings all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the mess or time commitment. It’s accessible, customizable, and deliciously rich. If you’ve ever been intimidated by making lasagna from scratch, this method is your solution. It simplifies the process without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

This recipe is not just about convenience—it’s about transforming a classic dish to fit modern lifestyles. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a golden-baked, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner ready to serve. Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious, hassle-free way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna, this Sheet Pan Lasagna is the perfect solution. It delivers everything you love about the classic dish—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked noodles, and golden bubbly cheese—in a simplified, modern format that fits seamlessly into your busy routine. With its even baking, easy slicing, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping ahead of time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish offers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna any other way.

0 Shares