This mini lasagna is a perfectly portioned, hearty dish made with layers of noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal for one or two servings!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Cooling TIme15 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr5 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: beef lasagna, lasagna, mini lasagna, small lasagna
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cook the Noodles: Boil two lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
Sauté the Onions: Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink.
Add Sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna: Lightly grease a small baking dish. Spread 3 tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom. Lay the noodles across the bottom of the dish. Top with the meat sauce, followed by the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
Fold the Noodles: Fold the noodles over the filling to cover it completely.
Add Final Layers: Top with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
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Notes
Choose the Right Dish: A 5x5-inch baking dish is ideal for this mini lasagna, perfectly fitting two noodles. If using a slightly larger or deeper dish, you can add another layer of noodles, but avoid oversized dishes as they can make the lasagna dry.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the lasagna as it bakes, especially if you adjust the dish size or layer count. Ovens vary, so baking times may need slight adjustments to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors in every bite.