Ghostly Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how easy this lasagna is to put together, especially since I use no-boil noodles. The ricotta mixture turns out creamy and flavorful thanks to fresh basil and Parmesan, while the mozzarella on top melts into that irresistible golden layer. I can prepare it ahead of time and bake it right before serving, which makes it a great option for gatherings.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

12 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a medium bowl, I combine the ricotta, eggs, half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil until smooth and creamy.

To assemble, I spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. I place three noodles on top, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them. I follow with more marinara and a layer of mozzarella.

I repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, marinara, and mozzarella. To finish, I place the last noodles on top and spread the remaining sauce and mozzarella over them.

I cover the dish with foil and bake it for 25 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. I let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This lasagna serves 8 people. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, for a total time of about 1 hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add a layer of cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey between the noodles for a heartier version. I also like swapping spinach into the ricotta mixture for extra veggies. For a spookier Halloween twist, I cut ghost shapes out of mozzarella slices and place them on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover a slice with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. For longer storage, I freeze portions tightly wrapped and reheat them straight from frozen at 350°F, adding extra time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, I just cook them according to package instructions before layering.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the day before, refrigerate it, and bake it when needed.

Can I freeze unbaked lasagna?

Yes, I assemble it, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. I bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone both work well as substitutes.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

I make sure to drain excess liquid from the marinara sauce and let the lasagna rest before slicing.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, browned ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken can be layered in with the sauce.

What kind of mozzarella is best?

I like using fresh shredded mozzarella because it melts smoothly and gives a rich flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I skip any meat additions and keep it as is, or add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

How do I reheat without drying it out?

I cover the lasagna with foil while reheating in the oven to keep the cheese melty and moist.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, I cut the recipe in half and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish for about the same time.

Conclusion

This ghostly lasagna is a fun and flavorful dish that combines all the classic Italian comfort food elements I love with a festive twist. With its cheesy layers and customizable options, it’s a recipe I enjoy making for both special occasions and everyday dinners.