Print

Cozy Small-Batch Lasagna Loaf for Two

small-batch lasagna loaf - featured image

A comforting and easy homemade lasagna loaf made in a small loaf pan, perfect for two people. This recipe delivers cheesy, saucy layers with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 no-boil lasagna noodles (break to fit loaf pan if needed)
  • 8 ounces ground beef or Italian sausage, browned and seasoned
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil or dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown 8 ounces of ground beef or Italian sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in 1 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
  5. If using no-boil noodles, break them to fit the loaf pan. If using regular noodles, boil until al dente, drain, and cool slightly.
  6. Layer the loaf starting with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the pan. Add a layer of noodles, spread half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella, then add more meat sauce. Repeat layering (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce) until ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
  7. Cover the loaf pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Notes

Do not overload the loaf pan to avoid uneven cooking. Use no-boil noodles for quicker prep and ensure sauce is saucier to keep noodles moist. Drain fat well when browning meat to avoid greasy sauce. Let the lasagna rest after baking for cleaner slices. Tent with foil if top browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: small-batch lasagna, lasagna loaf, easy lasagna for two, homemade lasagna, comfort food, quick lasagna, no-boil noodles, cozy dinner