Tired of the endless layering and mess of traditional lasagna? Get ready to transform your favorite Italian comfort food into a game-changing, fuss-free meal with the viral sensation: Sheet Pan Lasagna! This brilliant recipe takes all the rich flavors and satisfying textures you love and delivers them on a single baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring every bite has those coveted crispy edges.
Sheet Pan Lasagna: The Viral TikTok Sensation for Easy Weeknights
Say goodbye to labor-intensive, multi-pot lasagna nights and hello to your new favorite weeknight hero: Sheet Pan Lasagna! This ingenious adaptation of a beloved classic has taken social media by storm, particularly on TikTok, and for good reason. It condenses all the deliciousness of a traditional layered lasagna – savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, tender noodles, and gooey mozzarella – onto one convenient sheet pan. The result? A perfectly portioned meal with irresistible crispy edges that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a busy parent, a culinary beginner, or simply looking for a less messy way to enjoy lasagna, this sheet pan version is designed to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Lasagna: Simplicity Meets Flavor
The beauty of sheet pan cooking lies in its simplicity, and this lasagna recipe is no exception. It’s a dinner solution that truly delivers on taste without the usual kitchen chaos. Imagine tender pasta, robust marinara, a rich blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and generous amounts of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked together to golden perfection. Every serving offers a delightful mix of soft interior and crunchy, caramelized edges, a feature often fought over in conventional lasagna. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights when time is short, but you still crave a homemade, comforting meal. Plus, its viral popularity on platforms like TikTok speaks volumes about its widespread appeal and proven deliciousness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SHEET PAN LASAGNA:
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to highlight those fantastic crispy edges, many, myself included, find a little extra sauce can elevate the experience. For those who prefer a saucier lasagna, consider warming up some additional marinara on the stove and serving it on the side. My personal favorite is Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce, though it can be a bit of a splurge. For a more budget-friendly option that still tastes great, I highly recommend Hunt’s Garlic and Herb Spaghetti Sauce, often available for just over a dollar for a 24-ounce can. Drizzling extra sauce over your serving ensures a perfect balance of crispy and tender, just the way you like it.
Draining the frozen spinach properly is an absolutely critical step you shouldn’t skip! Frozen spinach holds a surprising amount of water, and if you don’t squeeze out every last drop, that excess moisture will seep into your creamy ricotta mixture. This will inevitably water down the cheese, throwing off its intended texture and diluting the delicious flavors. Trust me, taking those extra few minutes to really wring out the spinach is completely worth the effort. A cheesecloth can be incredibly helpful for this task if you have one on hand, allowing you to extract maximum liquid. And remember, if spinach isn’t a family favorite, feel free to omit it entirely without compromising the recipe’s integrity.
You’ll want to break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before you cook them. This makes them much easier to manage and distribute evenly across the sheet pan. Aim for approximately 2-inch pieces. This size is ideal because it prevents them from crumbling too much during cooking and ensures they’re not too large or awkward to eat once baked. Breaking them beforehand ensures a more uniform mixture and a better overall texture in your sheet pan lasagna.
The beauty of Sheet Pan Lasagna is its versatility, allowing you to pair it with virtually anything you’d serve alongside a traditional lasagna. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider a crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A basket of warm, buttery breadsticks or classic garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. And if you’re looking for something more substantial, your favorite hearty vegetable soup recipe makes an excellent companion, especially on a cooler evening.
Absolutely! The combination of ground Italian sausage and ground beef provides a wonderfully rich and flavorful base, which is what we typically use. However, feel free to customize the meat to your preference. If you prefer one over the other, you can use all ground beef or all ground Italian sausage. For a lighter alternative, ground chicken or ground turkey would also work beautifully. Just ensure that the total quantity of meat remains the same as specified in the recipe to maintain the intended balance of ingredients.
Yes, incorporating additional vegetables is a fantastic idea to boost flavor and nutrition! This sheet pan lasagna is highly adaptable. I think sliced mushrooms and diced zucchini would be particularly tasty additions, offering extra texture and earthy notes. You could also experiment with finely diced bell peppers or thinly sliced carrots. Beyond vegetables, don’t hesitate to add other cheeses to the mix to introduce even more depth of flavor – think smoked provolone, fontina, or even a touch of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal for days to come. Any remaining Sheet Pan Lasagna should be transferred to an airtight container once it has cooled completely to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled lasagna portions in a freezer-safe container, or wrap individual servings tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of extra marinara if desired to prevent drying out.
Mastering the Viral Sheet Pan Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Lasagna Noodles: One 16-ounce package, broken into approximately 2-inch pieces for easy mixing and serving.
- Ground Beef: ½ pound, lean is preferred to reduce excess grease.
- Ground Italian Sausage: ½ pound, mild or hot depending on your preference, adding a depth of flavor.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely diced, providing aromatic sweetness to the meat sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for that unmistakable Italian flavor foundation.
- Marinara Sauce: One 24-ounce jar, plus extra for serving if desired. High-quality marinara makes a big difference!
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, a classic blend of herbs to infuse authentic taste.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning every layer.
- Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups, full-fat or part-skim, for creamy pockets of deliciousness.
- Frozen Spinach: 8 ounces, thawed and thoroughly drained to prevent a watery lasagna.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, divided use, for that signature melty, gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 2 cups, divided use, for salty, nutty undertones and a golden crust.
HOW TO MAKE SHEET PAN LASAGNA: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your broken lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they are perfectly al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. Transfer the drained noodles into a large mixing bowl and set them aside. Breaking them before cooking ensures they integrate seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics. Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Lightly spray a 12×17-inch sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring an even coating to prevent sticking. In a large skillet, combine the ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns. Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to cook until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened and translucent. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep your lasagna from being oily. Return the browned meat mixture to the clean skillet.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce. To the skillet containing the browned meat, add the entire jar of marinara sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and slightly thicken the sauce, creating a rich and savory base for your lasagna.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture. While your meat sauce is simmering, take a separate medium-sized bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, the thoroughly drained frozen spinach, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. The key here is ensuring the spinach is as dry as possible to prevent a watery ricotta layer, which can affect the final texture of your lasagna. Set this creamy mixture aside.
Step 5: Combine Noodles, Meat Sauce, and Cheese. Once the meat sauce has simmered for 5 minutes, carefully pour it into the large bowl containing your cooked lasagna noodles. Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese to this mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the noodles are completely coated with the savory meat sauce and that the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout. This step ensures every bite of your sheet pan lasagna is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Assemble on the Sheet Pan. Pour the entire mixture of coated lasagna noodles and meat sauce onto your prepared 12×17-inch baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture out evenly across the pan. Make sure there are no large clumps and that the noodles form a relatively flat layer, allowing for consistent baking and those coveted crispy edges.
Step 7: Add the Ricotta Dollops. Next, take your prepared ricotta cheese and spinach mixture. Using a spoon, dollop small mounds of this creamy mixture strategically around the top of the lasagna noodles on the sheet pan. Don’t worry about spreading it out too perfectly; these dollops will create delicious pockets of creamy texture throughout the baked lasagna.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Cheeses. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire surface of the sheet pan lasagna, including over the ricotta dollops. This final layer of cheese will melt and bubble, forming a gorgeous golden-brown crust that is incredibly flavorful and visually appealing.
Step 9: Bake and Serve. Place the sheet pan into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully light brown, bubbly, and caramelized around the edges. This is where those famous crispy bits develop! Once baked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the lasagna cool and set for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and the lasagna to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. For an extra touch, serve with additional warmed marinara sauce on the side.
Tips for a Perfect Sheet Pan Lasagna
Achieving a restaurant-quality Sheet Pan Lasagna is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles to al dente, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- Grease the Pan Well: A well-greased sheet pan is crucial for easy removal and crisp edges without sticking.
- Squeeze that Spinach: As reiterated, properly draining thawed frozen spinach prevents a watery lasagna. Use a cheesecloth for best results.
- Season Every Layer: Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) at each stage – in the meat, ricotta, and sauce – for maximum flavor.
- Even Spreading is Key: Ensure the noodle and meat mixture is spread evenly across the pan for consistent baking and crispiness.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking allows it to set, making clean cuts easier and preventing it from falling apart.
Variations and Customizations to Try
This Sheet Pan Lasagna is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:
- Meat Options: Experiment with ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of meats. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat substitutes or load up on vegetables.
- Add More Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or finely chopped carrots can be mixed into the meat sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Enthusiast: Besides mozzarella and Parmesan, consider adding a layer of provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce will add a delightful warmth.
- Herb Garden Freshness: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley after baking for a burst of color and aroma.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Complete your Sheet Pan Lasagna experience with these delightful pairings:
- Fresh Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a comforting crunch.
- Hearty Soup: A classic minestrone or a simple tomato soup complements the Italian flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts adds another layer of nutrition and texture.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Sheet Pan Lasagna are just as delicious the next day! Allow any remaining portions to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Cut the lasagna into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES? EXPLORE OUR ITALIAN-INSPIRED DISHES:
- Homemade Baked Lasagna
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Easy Manicotti
- Lasagna Soup
- Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Mexican Lasagna
- Lasagna For Two
- Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup
- Kielbasa Sheet Pan Meal
- Hamburger Helper Lasagna
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken (For Two)
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi
This innovative sheet pan lasagna recipe was originally inspired by Giada DeLaurentiis, who shared her viral take on this concept on TikTok, sparking a culinary trend.
Sheet Pan Lasagna (TikTok Viral Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce, plus more for serving (my favorite is Rao’s Roasted Garlic)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained very well.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided use
Instructions
- Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions (cook until al dente.) Drain well then pour into a large bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly spray a 12×17 sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and sausage (along with the onion and garlic) over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease then return to the skillet.
- To the skillet, add in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well then bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, in a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, drained spinach, and a little salt and pepper (to taste.) Set aside.
- Once done simmering, pour the meat sauce into the large bowl along with the cooked lasagna noodles and mix together. Then stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
- Pour the coated lasagna noodles onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly.
- Next, dollop the ricotta mixture around the top of the lasagna noodles.
- Then evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is light brown and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving. Note: I prefer to serve this with additional heated marinara sauce.
Notes
- Don’t skip draining the spinach – you don’t want watery ricotta mixture on your lasagna.
- Break the noodles into 2-inch pieces before cooking.
- I prefer to serve this with extra sauce so grab an extra jar or can at the store if you like more sauce as well.
- You can use other ground meat combos if desired. Just be sure it’s the same amount in total.
- You can add other veggies or cheeses to make this even more delectable.
- This meal can be frozen if stored appropriately for up to 3 months.
- Serve this with your favorite soup and salad and a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to really seal the dinner deal.
Nutrition
Calories: 476kcal
| Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 880mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
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.