Easy Lasagna for Two: The Perfect Small-Batch Comfort Food
Indulge in the comforting classic of lasagna without the overwhelming leftovers! This delightful Lasagna for Two recipe features tender lasagna noodles layered with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses and seasonings. It’s perfectly scaled down to create an intimate meal, ideal for a date night, a cozy dinner for two, or simply enjoying your favorite Italian dish without cooking for a crowd. Experience all the flavor and tradition of lasagna in a convenient, manageable portion.
The Irresistible Charm of a Scaled-Down Pasta Dinner
There’s an undeniable joy in a freshly baked lasagna – those warm, bubbling layers of pasta, meat, and cheese. However, traditional lasagna recipes are often designed to feed a large family or a party, leaving a small household with days of repetitive leftovers. This is where the beauty of a scaled-down recipe comes into play. Transforming a beloved family favorite like lasagna into a smaller, more manageable portion is a true game-changer for many home cooks.
While the idea of simply halving a recipe might seem straightforward, the intricacies of specific baking dish sizes, proper layer distribution, and precise ingredient proportions can often lead to culinary challenges. Our Lasagna for Two recipe takes the guesswork out of the equation, providing a perfectly balanced and delicious lasagna tailored specifically for a smaller household. It’s meticulously designed to minimize food waste and maximize your enjoyment, making it a go-to choice for couples or individuals who appreciate fresh, homemade meals without the commitment of a large casserole taking up precious refrigerator space. Enjoy the luxury of freshly made lasagna with the perfect amount for your intimate dining experience.
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delightful meals designed for smaller appetites, don’t miss out on other culinary inspirations crafted for two. Consider whipping up my Polish Casserole for Two for a hearty, comforting experience perfect for a chilly evening, or explore another Italian-inspired sensation with my Baked Ziti for Two, offering a different take on baked pasta. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to bring joy and convenience to smaller gatherings, proving that great meals don’t always need to feed an army; sometimes, less is truly more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna for Two
Absolutely, using no-boil lasagna noodles is a convenient option that can save you a significant step in the preparation process, making your meal even quicker to get into the oven. When opting for no-boil noodles, it’s particularly important to ensure they receive enough moisture to cook properly and prevent them from becoming dry, tough, or chewy during baking. For this reason, I highly recommend adding an extra ¼ to ⅓ cup of water or low-sodium vegetable broth directly to your marinara sauce. This additional liquid will readily absorb into the no-boil noodles as the lasagna bakes, helping them soften and integrate beautifully into the layers. The result will be a perfectly saucy, tender, and delicious dish that retains all the desired textures and flavors without the need for pre-boiling.
Indeed! Crafting a delicious and satisfying lasagna doesn’t have to break the bank. You certainly don’t need to exclusively use premium or specific brand-name ingredients. Most store brands for pantry staples like marinara sauce, and dairy products such as ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese, offer excellent quality at a more affordable price point, and they will perform just as wonderfully in this recipe. Another fantastic and impactful way to reduce costs is to consider making the lasagna meatless. You can easily substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed, finely chopped mushrooms, fresh spinach (squeezed dry to remove excess water), zucchini, eggplant, or a combination of these vegetables. A plant-based ground “meat” alternative also works well. This not only makes the dish more economical but also opens up a delicious option for vegetarian diets. Furthermore, always be on the lookout for sales on your ingredients, particularly large jars of sauce or blocks of cheese, which can lead to significant savings when purchased in bulk.
Despite its inviting name, this “Lasagna for Two” recipe is quite generous and typically yields approximately four regular-sized servings. The primary reason for this sizing is to accommodate standard baking dish dimensions that most home cooks already own, such as an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish. It can be quite challenging to perfectly scale a lasagna recipe down to exactly two individual servings while still utilizing common bakeware without resulting in an unusually thin, sparse, or less satisfying dish. By making four servings, we ensure a satisfyingly thick, deeply layered, and rich lasagna that feels substantial. This approach also provides the wonderful and practical benefit of having two servings readily available for your initial meal and two more for delicious, convenient leftovers the following day. This makes it an excellent option for easy meal prepping or for enjoying a second homemade meal with minimal additional effort.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be easily doubled to serve more people, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even preparing a larger portion for extended meal prep. When doubling all the ingredients, you’ll need to transfer the entire assembled lasagna into a larger standard 9x13x3-inch baking dish. It’s important to keep in mind that doubling the recipe will necessitate a significant adjustment to the baking time. A larger, thicker lasagna will naturally require more time in the oven to cook through evenly, ensure all the layers are tender, and become bubbly and golden-brown. I recommend increasing the initial covered baking time by approximately 15-20 minutes. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature is hot and the cheese is thoroughly melted and visibly bubbling before removing it from the oven to cool. Adjust additional uncovered broiling time accordingly for a golden top.
Adding finely diced onions and green peppers is a fantastic way to boost both the flavor complexity and nutritional value in your lasagna! For best results and optimal texture, dice a small sweet onion and one bell pepper (any color – green, red, or yellow work wonderfully for both flavor and visual appeal) into small, uniform pieces. Integrate these aromatic vegetables into your large skillet while you are browning the Italian sausage. Sautéing them alongside the meat will allow them to soften thoroughly and release their sweet, pungent, and earthy flavors, which will then meld beautifully with the savory sausage and rich marinara sauce. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sausage is fully browned and crumbled before proceeding with the instruction to add the marinara sauce.
This Lasagna for Two is an excellent candidate for advance preparation, making it a perfect dish for convenient meal prepping! You can fully assemble and even bake the entire dish up to three days in advance of when you plan to serve it. Simply prepare the lasagna according to the detailed instructions, cover it tightly with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and store it securely in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake or reheat, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come closer to room temperature on your counter while your oven preheats. Because the dish will be cold when it goes into the oven, you will likely need to extend the baking time by an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated through, bubbling vigorously, and the cheese is beautifully melted. This makes for a wonderfully convenient option for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without the last-minute rush.
Proper storage is key to ensuring your delicious lasagna leftovers remain fresh and enjoyable. Any remaining lasagna can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer-term storage, you have the option to freeze individual portions or the entire remaining lasagna (if it fits) for up to three months. To reheat, you have a couple of excellent options: for the best results and to help maintain the lasagna’s original texture and prevent drying, reheat individual slices or the entire dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) until it is thoroughly warmed through. Alternatively, for a quicker and more convenient option, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave until hot. When using the microwave, covering the lasagna with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel can help retain moisture and ensure a more tender result.
For this perfectly portioned lasagna recipe, an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish is ideal and will yield the best results. These sizes are specifically chosen because they are perfect for creating satisfying, ample layers without making the lasagna too thin or too bulky. If you don’t have a square dish, a small rectangular dish of similar volume (for example, a 7×11-inch dish) could also work, but you may need to adjust how you cut the lasagna noodles to fit and possibly the number of layers slightly. Regardless of shape, it’s crucial to ensure your chosen dish is at least 2-3 inches deep to comfortably hold all the layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese, preventing any messy overflows during the baking process.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for creating a delicious and hearty vegetarian option. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage entirely. In its place, you can use an equal volume (about 1 pound) of your favorite sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative. Excellent choices for vegetable substitutes include finely chopped mushrooms (which add a wonderful umami depth), fresh spinach (sautéed first and thoroughly squeezed dry to remove excess water), diced zucchini, or roasted eggplant. You could also opt for a vegetarian ground “meat” crumble; simply prepare it according to the package directions, then mix it with the marinara sauce as you would with the sausage. These substitutions ensure your vegetarian lasagna is just as flavorful, satisfying, and layered with texture as the original meat version.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Lasagna for Two
Crafting this delicious small-batch lasagna requires a handful of key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so beloved. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather to create your ultimate Lasagna for Two:
- Lasagna Noodles: You’ll need about 8 ounces, which typically equates to half of a standard 16-ounce box. Both traditional wavy lasagna noodles or flat, smooth noodles work wonderfully; the choice is yours! As mentioned in our FAQs, if you opt for the convenience of no-boil noodles, remember to slightly increase the liquid content in your marinara sauce for optimal tenderness during baking. For traditional noodles, ensure they are cooked perfectly al dente according to their package directions, then rinsed thoroughly and lightly oiled to prevent them from sticking together.
- Ground Italian Sausage: This ingredient forms the savory, richly seasoned heart of our lasagna. You have the flexibility to choose between mild Italian sausage for a classic, balanced flavor profile, or a spicier version if you prefer a little kick and heat in your dish. For those seeking alternatives, ground pork, lean ground beef, healthier ground turkey, or even a flavorful plant-based ground meat substitute are all excellent choices that will still provide a hearty, satisfying texture.
- Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce is paramount to the success and depth of flavor in this lasagna. I personally adore Rao’s sauces for their authentic, deep, and robust flavor, especially their roasted garlic version if you’re a true garlic enthusiast. While premium brands can sometimes be pricier, keeping an eye out for sales (Costco is often a good source!) allows for stocking up on quality. However, don’t feel pressured; any good quality, flavorful store-bought marinara that you genuinely enjoy and can afford will work wonderfully. For the truly ambitious and those who love to go all out, preparing a Homemade Marinara Sauce elevates this dish to an unparalleled level of freshness and taste.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, mild Italian cheese is absolutely essential for achieving the classic luscious and moist texture of lasagna’s white layers. A fantastic, often more budget-friendly, and equally delicious alternative is small-curd cottage cheese. Many people who feel ricotta can sometimes make their lasagna taste a bit “dry” are often pleasantly surprised by cottage cheese; it adds a delightful creaminess and moisture without imparting a distinct cottage cheese flavor to the finished dish. It blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, contributing to a rich, moist, and tender cheese layer.
- Large Egg: The large egg serves a specific purpose in the ricotta mixture: it acts as a binder, helping to hold all the creamy cheese ingredients together. Experts say it helps prevent the cheese from oozing out and creating a messy presentation when you slice into your baked lasagna. While I’ve always included it, and it theoretically contributes to structural integrity, don’t worry too much if you find yourself without an egg; skipping it won’t drastically impact the overall taste of your lasagna, though the cheese layer might be slightly less firm.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Whether you opt for the convenient pre-grated variety found in the iconic green bottle or decide to take a moment to freshly grate a block of quality Parmesan, this hard, salty cheese adds a sharp, umami depth of flavor that is truly indispensable in authentic Italian cooking. Freshly grated offers a more intense and nuanced flavor, but for sheer ease, the pre-grated option is perfectly acceptable and widely used.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is your primary melting cheese, the star responsible for providing that iconic stretchy, gooey quality and rich creaminess to every bite of lasagna. Again, both pre-shredded bags or freshly shredded mozzarella will yield delicious results. Many cooks find that freshly shredding cheese often melts more smoothly and evenly, but for convenience and time-saving, bagged shredded cheese is perfectly acceptable and commonly utilized. Use what best suits your preference and time constraints in the kitchen.
- Dried Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These two powerhouse seasonings are simple yet profoundly effective, adding another crucial layer of classic, aromatic Italian flavor to the dish. They work synergistically to tie all the rich, hearty ingredients together into a harmonious symphony of taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your personal taste, or even incorporate some fresh minced garlic for an even more potent aromatic boost and vibrant flavor.
With these quality ingredients carefully selected and at hand, you’re well on your way to assembling a truly memorable and perfectly portioned Lasagna for Two that will delight your senses.
How to Craft Your Perfect Lasagna for Two: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious small-batch lasagna is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple, detailed steps to bring a comforting Italian classic right to your table, designed perfectly for two:
- Prepare Your Baking Dish and Noodles: Begin your lasagna journey by preheating your oven to a comforting 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9-inch baking dish and generously spray its interior with cooking spray to ensure a smooth release later. Set this prepared dish aside. Next, prepare your lasagna noodles according to the specific directions provided on the back of their box. It is absolutely crucial to cook them until they are perfectly al dente – meaning slightly firm to the bite – as they will continue to cook and soften further in the oven while absorbing the delicious sauces. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and carefully lay them out individually on a large sheet tray that has also been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Gently mist the tops of these noodles with a bit more cooking spray; this simple step is a secret to keeping them from sticking together as you continue with your preparations.
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large, sturdy skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add your ground Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller crumbles with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue to brown and crumble the sausage until no pink color remains anywhere, which typically takes approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. Once the sausage is fully cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This crucial step is vital for achieving a lighter, less greasy, and more flavorful lasagna.
- Simmer with Marinara: To the cooked and thoroughly drained sausage in the skillet, pour in the entire 24-ounce jar of your chosen marinara sauce. Stir the sauce and sausage together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to warm through. Once simmering, remove the skillet from the heat. This prevents the sauce from over-reducing and ensures it maintains the perfect consistency for layering throughout your lasagna.
- Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese (or your preferred cottage cheese alternative), the large egg, finely grated Parmesan cheese, precisely half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir all these ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly combined, smooth, and evenly distributed. This step creates the rich, savory, and essential creamy cheese layer that is so characteristic and beloved in a truly wonderful lasagna.
- Begin Layering – First Sauce Layer: Now, it’s time to start building your lasagna! Take your prepared baking dish. Add a generous heaping ½ cup of the delicious sausage-marinara sauce mixture to the bottom of the dish. Using the back of a spoon or a small spatula, spread it out evenly to create a flavorful, moist base. This initial layer of sauce is absolutely crucial as it helps prevent the very first layer of noodles from sticking to the dish and provides essential moisture for even cooking from the bottom up.
- First Noodle Layer: Carefully place three of the cooked lasagna noodles directly on top of the first sauce layer. You’ll likely need to cut or trim the noodles to fit the dimensions of your 9×9-inch dish, and a slight overlap is perfectly acceptable and often necessary. The goal here is to create a solid, continuous, and even layer of pasta across the bottom of the dish.
- First Ricotta Layer: Spread approximately one-third of the prepared creamy ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the top of the noodle layer. Ensure it covers the noodles from edge to edge to create a consistent, rich, and creamy texture throughout the entire lasagna.
- Second Sauce Layer: On top of the delightful ricotta layer, add another heaping ½ cup of the savory sausage-marinara sauce mixture. Spread it out gently and carefully, ensuring it lightly and evenly covers the cheese layer without disturbing it too much.
- Repeat Layers: Continue building your magnificent lasagna by adding another layer of precisely three noodles, followed by another generous third of the ricotta mixture, and then another heaping ½ cup of the sausage-marinara sauce. Repeat this entire sequence one more time. You will essentially create three distinct layers of creamy ricotta and three flavorful layers of sauce, each beautifully separated by tender noodles.
- Final Noodle and Sauce Top: After you have completed your final ricotta and sauce layer, you should have just enough noodles remaining for one more top layer of pasta. Strategically place these noodles to cover as much of the surface as possible. Then, with a flourish, generously top the entire lasagna with all the remaining sausage-marinara sauce you have left in the skillet. This ensures a wonderfully rich, moist, and flavorful top layer before the final cheese is added.
- Add Final Mozzarella and Prepare for Baking: Now for the crowning glory! Sprinkle the remaining half of your shredded mozzarella cheese generously and evenly over the very top layer of sauce. Carefully cover your baking dish tightly with nonstick aluminum foil. If you don’t have nonstick foil, a clever trick is to simply spray one side of regular foil with cooking spray before placing it over the dish, ensuring the sprayed side faces down to prevent any precious cheese from sticking to it.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the covered lasagna lovingly into your preheated oven and bake for a total of 40 minutes. The lasagna should be visibly bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s thoroughly heated, and the cheese underneath the foil should be perfectly melted and gooey.
- Optional Browning Step (for Golden Perfection): For those who absolutely adore a crispy, beautifully golden-brown cheese topping on their lasagna, there’s an optional, but highly recommended, step! After the initial 40 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil from the dish. Then, turn your oven broiler to high. Place the lasagna back into the oven, keeping a very close and vigilant eye on it. Broil for just 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese achieves your desired level of golden-brown crispness and bubbly perfection. This short burst under the broiler is perfect for creating those coveted crispy edges and adding a visually appealing finish. Just be extremely careful not to let it burn, as broilers work quickly!
- Rest Before Serving (Crucial Step!): This is a critical and often overlooked step that ensures a beautifully presented and structurally sound lasagna. Once baked (and broiled, if you opted for it), remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest undisturbed for approximately 10-15 minutes before you even think about slicing and serving. This resting period allows the internal layers to settle, firm up, and properly set. Skipping this step often results in a messy, falling-apart dish when you attempt to lift it out of the casserole. Your patience here will be abundantly rewarded with neat, intact, and gorgeous slices.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna for Two Every Time
Achieving a truly outstanding lasagna, even a scaled-down version, involves a few key techniques and considerations that can significantly enhance its flavor and texture. Keep these expert tips in mind to elevate your Lasagna for Two to gourmet status, ensuring delicious results every single time:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: When boiling traditional lasagna noodles, your goal should always be an al dente texture. The noodles will continue to cook and soften significantly in the oven as they absorb moisture and flavors from the rich sauce. Overcooked, mushy noodles can compromise the entire lasagna’s structural integrity and textural appeal.
- Master Moisture Control with No-Boil Noodles: If you choose the convenience of no-boil noodles, it’s absolutely essential to ensure your sauce has sufficient liquid. A slightly thinner sauce or the addition of a splash of water or vegetable broth (as suggested in our FAQs) is crucial to prevent the noodles from becoming stiff, dry, or even crunchy during baking. Adequate moisture is key for their perfect rehydration.
- Season Your Cheese Mixture Generously: Never underestimate the power of properly seasoning the ricotta mixture. The blend of Italian seasoning and garlic powder, along with grated Parmesan, infuses this layer with critical depth and savory flavor. A pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper can also make a surprisingly big difference, waking up all the flavors.
- Drain the Sausage Thoroughly: Excess fat from the browned Italian sausage can unfortunately make your lasagna greasy and heavy. Always take the time to drain the cooked sausage thoroughly before combining it with the marinara sauce. This crucial step contributes to a cleaner, richer flavor profile and a much more pleasant mouthfeel.
- Even Layering is Key: Strive for meticulously even layers of sauce, noodles, and the creamy cheese mixture. This attention to detail ensures that every single bite of your lasagna is perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, and that the dish bakes uniformly. Don’t hesitate to cut or trim your noodles to fit your baking dish as best as possible for consistent coverage.
- Don’t Skimp on Sauce for the Bottom: The initial layer of sauce applied to the bottom of the baking dish is more important than you might think. It serves several vital purposes: preventing the first layer of noodles from sticking, adding essential moisture, and creating a flavorful foundation for even cooking throughout the base of the lasagna.
- The Resting Period is Non-Negotiable: After baking, it is absolutely crucial to let your lasagna rest for a solid 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice it. This often-tempting-to-skip step allows the internal components to set, firm up, and distribute their moisture evenly, making for beautifully clean, intact, and cohesive slices. Cutting into it too soon almost always results in a messy, falling-apart dish.
- Customizing Flavors: Feel completely free to experiment and make this recipe your own! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sausage as it browns for an extra hint of heat, or stir in some fresh chopped basil or oregano into the ricotta mixture for brighter, herbaceous notes that truly pop.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cozy Lasagna Dinner
A comforting and robust dish like Lasagna for Two pairs beautifully with simple yet elegant side dishes. These additions can complement the rich flavors of the lasagna without overwhelming them, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas to complete your perfect cozy dinner:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad, tossed with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, provides a refreshing and much-needed contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Think mixed greens, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and perhaps a light sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese for extra flair.
- Garlic Bread or Warm Breadsticks: No Italian-inspired meal is truly complete without something utterly delicious to sop up every last drop of that amazing, flavorful sauce! Warm, crusty garlic bread, brushed with fragrant garlic butter and herbs, or soft, chewy breadsticks are perfect companions that will enhance your dining experience.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed or lightly roasted vegetables offer a healthy, colorful, and fresh addition to your plate. Excellent choices include tender asparagus spears, crisp green beans, or perfectly al dente broccoli florets. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt are all they need to shine.
- Red Wine Pairing: For an adult meal, thoughtfully pairing your lasagna with a medium-bodied red wine can elevate the entire experience. Varietals such as a classic Chianti, a robust Sangiovese, or a smooth Merlot would beautifully complement the savory Italian sausage and the rich, complex flavors of the marinara sauce.
- Light Dessert: Consider a simple, refreshing dessert like a scoop of lemon sorbet or fresh berries to cleanse the palate after your rich meal.
Variations & Customizations to Make It Your Own
One of the best and most exciting things about lasagna is its incredible versatility. It’s a dish that invites creativity and adaptation. Feel completely free to get creative and adapt this Lasagna for Two recipe to your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand:
- Meat Alternatives & Combinations: If traditional Italian sausage isn’t your preference, this recipe is highly adaptable. Try using lean ground beef seasoned with a generous amount of Italian herbs, ground turkey for a lighter yet still flavorful option, or even a blend of ground pork and beef for a more complex savory profile. For a truly delicious vegetarian twist, consider sautéed finely chopped mushrooms, fresh spinach (make sure to squeeze out excess water), diced zucchini, or roasted eggplant as your primary filling.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance both the nutritional value and the depth of flavor by incorporating additional finely diced vegetables directly into your sauce. Beyond the suggested onions and bell peppers, consider adding shredded carrots for sweetness, thinly sliced zucchini, or even finely chopped eggplant. Just make sure to sauté these vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized before mixing them with the marinara sauce to ensure they cook properly within the lasagna.
- Cheese Variations: While ricotta and mozzarella are the beloved classics, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses to introduce different flavor dimensions. A thin layer of provolone or fontina cheese can add a delightful melting quality and a distinct depth of flavor, or a sprinkle of smoked mozzarella can impart a unique, savory twist. For an extra layer of tang and creaminess, a small amount of soft goat cheese or even cream cheese mixed into the ricotta layer can be surprisingly delicious.
- Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, it’s incredibly easy to add a spicy kick. Stir a pinch or two (or more, if you’re daring!) of red pepper flakes into your Italian sausage as it browns, or mix them directly into the marinara sauce. This will infuse the entire dish with a pleasant warmth.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can significantly brighten and enhance the overall flavors of your lasagna. Finely chopped fresh basil, oregano, or parsley, when stirred into the ricotta mixture or generously sprinkled over the top before baking, can add vibrant, aromatic notes that truly elevate the dish.
Craving More Cozy Recipes for Two?
If you enjoyed this perfectly portioned lasagna and appreciate meals tailored for smaller households, you’ll love exploring these other delicious and easy-to-make recipes designed specifically for two. Expand your culinary adventures with these delightful options:
- White Chicken Enchiladas For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops & Potatoes For Two
- Polish Casserole For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo For Two
- Chicken and Dumplings For Two
- Baked Ziti For Two
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken For Two
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- Stuffed Peppers For Two
- Chicken Noodle Casserole For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs & Gravy For Two
- Baked Spaghetti For Two
- Crock Pot Potato Soup For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy For Two
- Crock Pot Lasagna (Family Size)
- Homemade Baked Lasagna (Family Size)
- Easy Lasagna Soup
- Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna for Two
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles (½ of a 16 ounce box)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternative)
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or small curd cottage cheese)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare 8 ounces of lasagna noodles per the directions on the back of the box until al dente. Drain well and place on a large sheet tray that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly spray the noodles so they don’t stick to each other and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground Italian sausage until there is no pink left, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat thoroughly.
- Stir in the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce with the cooked sausage and bring to a gentle simmer. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, HALF of the 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder until well combined.
- Add a heaping ½ cup of the sausage-marinara sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Place three of the cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, cutting them as needed to fit the dish. They may overlap slightly.
- Spread approximately ⅓ of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add another heaping ½ cup of the sausage-marinara sauce on top of the ricotta layer and spread it out gently.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of noodles, then ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, and another heaping ½ cup of sauce. Repeat this sequence one more time, making three full layers of ricotta and sauce in total.
- You will have enough noodles remaining to create one final top layer. Place these noodles, then generously cover the entire lasagna with all the remaining sausage-marinara sauce you have.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with nonstick aluminum foil (or spray regular foil with cooking spray on the underside).
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is thoroughly melted beneath the foil. For a golden, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil and broil on high for 2-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who love crispy edges!
- Allow the lasagna to rest for approximately 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial resting time allows the layers to set, ensuring neat, beautiful slices that hold their shape.
Notes
- For more detailed insights on ingredient substitutions, preparation tips, and answers to common questions, please refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” and detailed “Essential Ingredients” sections above.
- This recipe is designed to be easily adaptable. Feel free to explore different meat options, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with various cheeses to personalize your lasagna experience.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest is truly important for clean slices. Don’t skip this step!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.