Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Making a warm, cheesy lasagna doesn’t have to be hard. If you’ve ever looked for a tasty, simple, and comforting pasta dish, the Barilla lasagna recipe is a perfect choice. This guide breaks down everything you need from ingredients to layering to help you bake a delicious lasagna that tastes just like it came from a restaurant.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What makes Barilla lasagna special
• How to prepare all the ingredients
• Easy-to-follow steps for layering and baking
• Tips to avoid common mistakes
• Answers to questions many people ask

And the best part? You’ll learn all this in a way that even a beginner can follow no fancy cooking skills needed.

Chef’s Note:
“Barilla’s lasagna noodles are my go-to for large family meals. The texture holds up beautifully, and the layers always stay firm, not soggy. I’ve been making this dish for 15 years it never fails to impress at gatherings.”
– Chef Laura M., Italian Home Cook & Pasta Lover

Barilla lasagna is a dish made using Barilla’s wavy pasta sheets, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful meat or veggie fillings. It’s hearty, warm, and made with simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store. But what really makes it stand out?

What Makes Barilla Lasagna Different from Others

Barilla is known for using durum wheat semolina, which gives their pasta a firm texture that holds up well in the oven. Their lasagna noodles are wide and ridged, which helps hold sauce and cheese better. This gives every bite more flavor and fewer messy drips.

Another big difference is that Barilla makes both classic lasagna noodles and oven-ready ones. That means you can skip boiling if you’re in a rush!

“Barilla lasagna noodles give me consistent results every time. I love that I can layer them with lots of sauce and cheese without worrying about the pasta getting mushy.”
– Chef Laura M.

Barilla Lasagna Ingredients Overview

Here’s a quick look at the basic ingredients you’ll need for the Barilla lasagna recipe. These work well for a traditional meat and cheese lasagna, but feel free to switch it up if you’re vegetarian or want to try different flavors.

Ingredient	Quantity
Barilla® Wavy Lasagna Noodles	½ box (about 9 sheets)
Marinara Sauce	2 jars (about 48 oz)
Ground Beef or Sausage	1 lb, cooked and drained
Ricotta Cheese	1 container (15 oz)
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)	4 cups (16 oz)
Parmesan Cheese (grated)	½ cup (2 oz)
Eggs	2, lightly beaten

These ingredients combine to create that creamy, cheesy, saucy flavor lasagna is famous for. And the good news? You don’t need anything fancy to make it taste amazing.

Types of Barilla Lasagna Noodles: Wavy, Oven-Ready, Gluten-Free

Barilla offers a few choices depending on your cooking style:

• Classic Wavy Lasagna: You boil these before layering. They’re great if you want full control over noodle texture.
• Oven-Ready Lasagna: No boiling needed! Just layer and bake. These save time and still turn out great.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Perfect for people who can’t have gluten. Same rich flavor, but made with corn and rice flour.

Tip: If you’re short on time, go with oven-ready noodles. Just add a bit more sauce so they cook properly during baking.

Getting Ready to Cook Lasagna

Before you start layering and baking, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and tools. Trust me, being ready ahead of time makes everything smoother and more fun.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. The barilla lasagna recipe uses everyday ingredients that bring big flavors to the table. These items are often already in your kitchen or easy to grab from any grocery store.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Main Ingredient	Details
Barilla® Lasagna Noodles	Wavy or Oven-Ready, ½ box
Ricotta Cheese	15 oz container
Mozzarella Cheese	Shredded, 4 cups (16 oz)
Parmesan Cheese	Grated, ½ cup (2 oz)
Eggs	2, lightly beaten
Marinara Sauce	2 jars (about 48 oz)
Ground Beef or Sausage	1 lb, cooked and drained

Using these ingredients, you’ll create creamy layers full of flavor. You can also add your twist by including chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Tip: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to your ricotta mix for extra zing.

Kitchen Tools You Should Prepare

You won’t need fancy gadgets just a few basics:

• A large pot for boiling pasta (if not using oven-ready)
• A mixing bowl for cheese filling
• A skillet for browning meat
• A 13×9-inch baking dish
• A spoon or spatula for spreading sauce
• Aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking

Having everything set up before you begin makes the cooking process a breeze. No last-minute running to find a spoon!

How to Choose Between Ground Beef, Sausage, or Veggie Filling

This part’s totally up to you! The classic barilla lasagna recipe uses ground beef sometimes a mix of both. If you’re vegetarian, no worries. You can use a combo of:

• Mushrooms
• Chopped bell peppers
• Grated carrots
• Spinach

They add texture and nutrients without losing flavor. The key is cooking and draining them well before layering.

Step-by-Step Barilla Lasagna Recipe

Now comes the fun part building your lasagna! This step-by-step method is easy to follow, even if it’s your first time making a pasta bake. Just go layer by layer.

Cooking Barilla Lasagna Noodles the Right Way

If you’re using classic Barilla lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water for about 8 minutes. They should be tender but not too soft. Drain and lay them flat on a towel so they don’t stick.

But if you’re using oven-ready Barilla noodles, skip the boiling step. Just make sure your sauce covers them well during layering so they cook fully in the oven.

“It’s always a good idea to keep your sauce a little runny when using oven-ready noodles,” shares Chef Laura.
“It helps soften the pasta while baking.”

Mixing the Cheese Filling: Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan

In a bowl, mix the cheeses with your eggs. Here’s how:

• Pour in the 15 oz of ricotta
• Add 3 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella
• Mix in the ½ cup of grated parmesan
• Crack in the 2 eggs and mix everything together

This cheesy blend adds that creamy bite we all love. Want it extra rich? Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or Italian herbs.

Making the Meat Sauce with Marinara and Seasonings

In a skillet, brown your ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain the fat. Next, stir in 1½ jars of marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Looking for another meaty pasta idea? You might enjoy this Homemade Beefaroni Recipe from Traay Recipes. It’s quick, hearty, and uses similar ingredients.

You can spice things up with garlic powder, basil, or even a touch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Greasing and Prepping Your Baking Dish

Grab your 13×9-inch baking dish. Spray it lightly with cooking spray or rub it with olive oil to keep things from sticking.

Spread about ¾ cup of sauce over the bottom of the dish. This gives your first noodle layer a cozy place to sit and cook evenly.

Tip: Keep your sauce-to-cheese ratio balanced. Too much cheese can make it greasy, and too much sauce makes it watery.

How to Layer Barilla Lasagna Properly

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients prepped and your baking dish ready, it’s time to build your lasagna! Layering is like putting together a puzzle. It’s fun, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be layering like a pro.

The First Layer: Sauce, Pasta, Cheese, and Meat

Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. This helps keep the noodles from sticking and adds flavor right from the bottom.

Now place 3 to 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. They can overlap slightly but should mostly lay flat.

Next, spoon on half of your ricotta cheese mixture. Spread it evenly with the back of your spoon. Then pour half of your meat sauce over the cheese. Try to spread it out so every bite gets some of that rich flavor.

Tip: Keep each layer even. It helps the lasagna cook better and makes slicing easier later.

Building More Layers the Right Way

Repeat the same steps again:

• Noodles
• Cheese mixture
• Meat sauce

This creates your second layer. Two full layers are usually enough, but if your dish is deep, feel free to add a third!

Top Layer Tips: Sealing in Flavor

The final layer is important! Top your last row of noodles with the remaining marinara sauce and a generous handful of mozzarella cheese.

You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you like a golden, crispy finish. This cheesy layer seals everything in and gives your lasagna that mouthwatering baked look.

Baking and Serving Your Lasagna

Alright, your lasagna is built and ready to bake! The smell alone will fill your kitchen with comfort. But baking it just right is the key to turning all those tasty layers into one amazing dish.

How Long to Bake Lasagna at 350°F

Cover your dish with foil and pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This last step lets the cheese on top melt and turn golden.

Once done, pull it out and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

“Letting lasagna rest before slicing is a secret trick,” says Chef Laura. “It helps the layers set and gives cleaner slices.”

Why Resting Time Matters After Baking

You might be tempted to dig in right away (and we get it), but trust us resting is important. If you cut too soon, all that saucy, cheesy goodness can spill out. Waiting just 10–15 minutes gives the lasagna time to firm up, and the flavor becomes even better.

Plus, you’ll avoid burning your mouth on piping hot cheese!

How to Slice and Serve Without Mess

Use a sharp knife to cut the lasagna into squares. A spatula will help lift each piece out neatly. If your noodles were layered well and the dish rested, everything should hold its shape perfectly.

Barilla Lasagna Tips and Variations

Lasagna is one of those meals you can make again and again, with a new twist each time. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to make it a little healthier, there are lots of ways to switch things up while still following the barilla lasagna recipe base.

Using Oven-Ready Noodles vs. Boiling Noodles

If you want to save time, oven-ready Barilla noodles are a great option. They don’t need to be boiled just layer them with enough sauce, and they’ll cook in the oven.

But if you like a softer bite or want more control over texture, then go with the classic wavy noodles. Just boil them for about 8 minutes before layering.

Tip: For oven-ready noodles, make sure your sauce is spread evenly and isn’t too thick. The noodles need that moisture to cook properly.

Making It Vegetarian or Adding Extra Veggies

Don’t eat meat? No problem! You can still enjoy a tasty Barilla lasagna recipe by swapping the meat for vegetables. Some popular veggie fillings include:

• Chopped spinach
• Zucchini slices
• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Shredded carrots

Just cook the veggies first to release extra water. That way, your lasagna won’t turn out soggy.

Want to boost nutrition without changing the taste too much? You can even sneak in puréed veggies into the marinara sauce.

Freezing Leftovers and Reheating

Lasagna makes amazing leftovers! If you have extras, wrap the dish tightly in foil or store slices in a sealed container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave single slices for 2–3 minutes
• Bake refrigerated lasagna at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes
• For frozen lasagna, thaw it overnight before baking

Tip: Add a little extra sauce on top before reheating. It keeps the cheese and pasta from drying out.

Kid-Friendly Lasagna Tips

Kids can be picky, but lasagna is usually a hit. If your kids don’t like chunks of veggies or meat, blend the sauce for a smoother texture. You can also:

• Use smaller noodle pieces
• Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta
• Make mini lasagna cups using muffin tins

It’s still the barilla lasagna recipe, just with a kid-approved twist!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Lasagna

Even though lasagna is simple, a few small mistakes can turn it from perfect to just okay. Don’t worry we’ve got your back. Let’s look at what to watch out for.

Too Much Sauce or Too Little?

Using the right amount of sauce is key. If you add too much, the lasagna can turn watery. But if you don’t use enough, the noodles won’t cook right especially if you’re using oven-ready pasta.

So, how much is just right? Spread a thin but even layer of sauce between each layer. Make sure each noodle is fully covered, but not swimming in it.

Tip: Always save a little extra sauce for the top layer. It helps seal everything in and keeps the cheese from burning.

Why Your Lasagna Might Be Watery

If your lasagna comes out too wet, a few things could be the cause:

• Veggies weren’t cooked first: Raw vegetables release water while baking.
• Too much sauce or thin sauce: Use thick marinara, not watery sauce.
• Didn’t rest long enough after baking: Letting it sit after baking helps it firm up.

To fix this next time, drain cooked ingredients well and keep your layers balanced. A firm lasagna holds together better and tastes even richer.

Overcooking or Undercooking the Noodles

This depends on the type of noodles you use. If you boil classic Barilla noodles, don’t overcook them before baking. They’ll cook more in the oven.

For oven-ready noodles, you must follow the barilla lasagna recipe carefully and use enough sauce to cook them fully. If they’re still crunchy after baking, they probably didn’t have enough moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Making lasagna can bring up a lot of questions, especially if it’s your first time. Let’s look at some of the most common things people ask about the barilla lasagna recipe and clear them up in a simple way.

Do I Need to Boil Barilla Lasagna Sheets?

That depends on the type you’re using. If you’re using Barilla’s classic wavy lasagna noodles, then yes you should boil them for about 8 minutes until they’re soft but not mushy. Drain and lay them flat before layering.

But if you’re using Barilla oven-ready noodles, there’s no need to boil. Just make sure your sauce is thick enough and you add a bit extra so they cook properly while baking.

What Is the Proper Layering for Lasagna?

Lasagna is all about layers, and there’s a right order to follow. Here’s a simple pattern to remember:

1. Sauce
2. Noodles
3. Cheese filling
4. Meat sauce
5. Repeat
6. Finish with noodles, sauce, and shredded cheese

Using this method, your barilla lasagna recipe will come out even and delicious every time!

How Long to Bake Lasagna at 350 with Uncooked Noodles?

If you’re using uncooked or oven-ready noodles, bake your lasagna at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes. Cover it with foil for the first 30 minutes to keep the top from burning, then remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and golden.

Let it rest for at least 10 minutes after baking so the layers set properly.

Can I Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Ricotta?

Yes, you can! Some people prefer cottage cheese because it’s lighter and has a mild taste. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid so your lasagna doesn’t get watery.

You can even mix cottage cheese with mozzarella and a bit of parmesan to create a creamy filling similar to ricotta.

Nutrition, Storage, and Serving Sizes

Lasagna isn’t just tasty it’s also filling! But if you’re wondering how much to eat, what’s in each slice, or how to store leftovers, this part covers it all.

Calories and Nutrition for a Standard Slice

Here’s a look at the typical nutrition for one slice of the barilla lasagna recipe (based on 12 servings from one 13×9-inch dish):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	470–500
Protein	25–30 grams
Carbohydrates	30–35 grams
Fat	25–28 grams
Saturated Fat	10–12 grams
Fiber	3–4 grams
Sodium	600–700 mg

These numbers can change depending on your ingredients. For a healthier version, try using lean meat or veggies, low-fat cheese, and less salt.

How to Store Leftover Barilla Lasagna

Leftover lasagna is a lifesaver on busy days. To store it:

• Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer slices to a sealed container
• Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days
• Or freeze for up to 3 months

Before reheating, sprinkle a little sauce on top to keep it moist.

Reheating Tips for Fresh Taste

You can reheat lasagna in the microwave, oven, or air fryer. Here’s how:

• Microwave: Heat single slices for 2–3 minutes
• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
• Air Fryer: Use foil and heat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Always check the center to make sure it’s hot all the way through.

Serving Size Guide for Families or Gatherings

A full pan of lasagna (made with the barilla lasagna recipe) can serve about 12 people. If you’re feeding fewer people, cut the recipe in half or store extra slices for lunch or dinner later in the week.

For parties or potlucks, just double the recipe or bake two pans. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

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