If you have ever wished for a comforting, cheesy, and perfectly melded lasagna that practically gets better with time, then this Overnight Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. By assembling the layers the night before, the flavors have the chance to blend and develop deep richness, making your next-day meal incredibly savory and satisfying. It’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to serve up a crowd-pleaser with minimal last-minute fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Overnight Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward, classic ingredients that come together to create astonishing flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the hearty Italian sausage to the creamy cottage cheese filling that contrasts perfectly with melty mozzarella.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a rich, savory base full of herbs and spice, crucial for that authentic Italian taste.
- Spaghetti sauce (1 jar, 26 oz): Your main tomato layer, which imparts sweetness and acidity to balance the richness.
- Water (3/4 to 1 cup): Adjusts the sauce consistency so it’s perfect for layering without being too runny.
- Cottage cheese (24 oz): Offers a lighter, creamier alternative to ricotta with added moisture and mild flavor.
- Egg (1, beaten): Helps bind the cottage cheese for a perfectly set texture throughout the bake.
- Dried parsley (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle herbaceous note for freshness.
- Lasagna noodles (12, uncooked): The structural layers that soak up flavors and become tender overnight.
- Mozzarella cheese slices (16 oz): Melts beautifully to give you that gooey, cheesy pull we all love.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Sprinkled throughout, it lends a sharp, nutty finish to each cheesy layer.
How to Make Overnight Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly cooked and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat for a cleaner taste, then stir in the spaghetti sauce along with water to loosen it just enough. Let this simmer gently for five minutes to marry the flavors beautifully, then remove from heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cottage Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the beaten egg and dried parsley. The egg works like magic to keep the filling creamy but firm after baking, while the parsley ensures a fresh herb flavor shines through in every bite.
Step 3: Layer Your Lasagna Starting with Sauce
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread a generous 1½ cups of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom to create a flavorful base. Then layer six uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise, slightly overlapping so each edge is covered—this helps everything hold together perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Add Cheese Layers and Sauce
Next, spoon half of your cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Add another 1½ cups of sauce on top and finish with a sprinkle of ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors in this critical layer.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers and Cover
Repeat the process by layering the remaining six noodles, the other half of the cottage cheese mixture, another third of mozzarella, more sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Finish by spreading the last of the sauce across the top and arrange the remaining mozzarella slices to cover everything. Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the noodles to soften and the tastes to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Your Lasagna
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the covered lasagna for 25 minutes to warm everything through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until it bubbles merrily and the cheese on top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving so the layers set and slice cleanly.
How to Serve Overnight Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley over each serving adds a wonderful pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the richness. For a little extra glam, consider a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil.
Side Dishes
Pair your Overnight Lasagna Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the cheese’s richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are always a hit, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy layers and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small, oven-proof ramekins for a charming presentation that looks restaurant-worthy. Alternatively, create a family-style spread with a colorful salad and bread basket on the table—everyone can help themselves to heaping slices and enjoy the communal warmth of homemade Italian comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness without drying out the layers.
Freezing
This Overnight Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying, for about 20 to 25 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works too if you’re in a pinch—cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in short bursts to maintain texture and gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use regular ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta can be used in place of cottage cheese for a slightly richer and creamier filling. Just keep in mind it may change the texture slightly but will still taste delicious.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?
Nope! This recipe uses uncooked noodles because they soften perfectly overnight in the sauce, making the prep easier and saving time. Just ensure you spread enough sauce so they cook through evenly.
How long can I store the assembled lasagna in the refrigerator before baking?
It’s best to bake the lasagna within 24 hours of assembly, but it can safely be refrigerated up to 36 hours if needed. Beyond that, the noodles might become too soft.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or other veggies you love to maintain heartiness and flavor without meat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking too?
Yes, once baked and cooled, the lasagna freezes well. Just wrap it tightly and thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating so it stays moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a ready-to-bake lasagna that will fill your home with cozy aromas and satisfy your cravings with tender noodles, rich cheese, and hearty sauce. Giving this Overnight Lasagna Recipe a try means less stress on busy days and more moments enjoying a homemade classic that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this make-ahead magic!
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Overnight Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 11 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Overnight Lasagna is a convenient and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for preparing ahead of time. Layers of savory Italian sausage simmered in rich spaghetti sauce are combined with creamy cottage cheese, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Refrigerated overnight to blend flavors, then baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this lasagna offers comforting, hearty flavors with minimal day-of effort.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 3/4 to 1 cup water (depending on how thin your jarred sauce is)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (24-oz) container cottage cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
Assembly
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese slices
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat. Stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce and water, adjusting the amount of water based on the sauce’s thickness. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, beaten egg, and dried parsley. Mix well and set aside. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to the lasagna layers.
- Assemble the First Layer: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread 1½ cups of the prepared meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the pan. Arrange 6 uncooked lasagna noodles lengthwise and slightly overlapping on top of the sauce to cover the surface.
- Add Cheese and Sauce Layers: Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with one-third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1½ cups of the meat sauce over the mozzarella, then sprinkle with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the Layers: Begin the second layer by arranging the remaining 6 lasagna noodles over the previous cheese and sauce layers. Spread the remaining cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon the remaining meat sauce on top, spreading evenly, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the assembled lasagna tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the noodles to soften in the sauce.
- Bake the Lasagna: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake the lasagna covered with foil for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes after baking. This rest time helps the lasagna set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using uncooked noodles allows the lasagna to cook fully during baking without pre-boiling the noodles, saving preparation time.
- Adjust water quantity in the sauce to ensure it is not too thick or watery, facilitating even noodle cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables.
- If desired, add a layer of sautéed vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
