Lasagna is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy white sauce, and gooey cheese. But what if you could make this classic even quicker and just as delicious? Introducing Instant Noodle Lasagna – a game-changer for busy nights and impromptu dinners. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the comforting taste of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy and scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 drizzle of olive oil
- 500 grams (1.1 lbs) of ground beef
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 generous pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch of oregano
- 500 grams (17.6 oz) of tomato sauce
White Sauce (Béchamel)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of wheat flour
- 1 liter (4 cups) of milk
- 1.5 teaspoons of salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
Assembly
- 4 packets of instant noodles, cut in half
- 300 grams (10.6 oz) of grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Meat Sauce Preparation
- Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Season: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, a generous pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of oregano to the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the white sauce.
White Sauce Preparation
- Melt Butter: In another skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Make the Roux: Add the wheat flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season: Add 1.5 teaspoons of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens.
Assembling the Lasagna
- Prepare the Oven Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium oven-proof dish, add 2 ladles of the white sauce to the bottom.
- Layering:
- Place 2 packets of instant noodles, cut in half, over the white sauce.
- Pour half of the meat sauce over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 150 grams of grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add another layer of the white sauce.
- Place the remaining 2 packets of instant noodles, cut in half, over the white sauce.
- Pour the rest of the meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 150 grams of grated mozzarella cheese on top.
Baking
- Bake: Place the lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help set the layers and make it easier to cut and serve.
Conclusion
This Instant Noodle Lasagna is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort and time. Perfect for a quick dinner fix or a fun twist on a classic for your next family gathering. Try this recipe today and watch it become a new family favorite!
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for a unique taste.