Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (2024)

  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Ingredients
  • Pastas
  • Lasagnas

This small-batch weeknight lasagna comfortably serves two and is ready in half the time as a larger batch. Loaf Pan Lasagna is layered with chunky pieces of sausage and rustic-but-quick tomato sauce.

By

Sally Vargas

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (1)

Sally Vargas

Sally is the author of four cookbooks and is a regular correspondent for the Boston Globe Wednesday Food Section. She also is a food photographer.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated March 02, 2022

10 Ratings

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (2)

Trending Videos

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (3)

12 Easy Weeknight Dinners for TwoFEATURED IN:

Lasagna on a weeknight? Tell me more!

You don’t need to invite an entire soccer team over to have a reason to make this cheesy lasagna with chunky sausage and a rustic tomato sauce. I’ve downsized the mega-version of lasagna, thanks to my new best friend: the loaf pan!

This Loaf Plan Lasagna is the perfect small-batch size to feed one, two, or three people.

We all know lasagna is comfort food that comes with a hefty time and labor price tag and a big pan to wash. But consider a Wednesday, when you really need to get over that hump, and you only have about 30 minute to prepare dinner. Economy of scale in this case means fewer minutes at the stove and manageable leftovers. Sounds like a win-win in my book!

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (4)

How to Make Loaf Pan Lasagna

This recipe for Loaf Pan Lasagna makes two big servings for very hungry people, but really closer to three normal servings, so there’s a nice little leftover in the fridge for next day’s lunch.

A loaf pan size lasagna is just like a big one with a smaller volume of ingredients. You layer the ingredients in much the same way, and the baking time is close to the same. Where you really save time with this dish is on the prep time. Making the components takes less time and effort because of its small size.

To prepare it, just sauté some ground Italian sausage (I use chicken sausage links and remove the casing, but you can use pork or turkey if you’d rather). Add the sausage to an easy, tasty tomato sauce; mix up some ricotta with Parmesan, and then layer everything in the loaf pan with no-boil noodles. What’s not to like about that?

Top it off with a little more cheese and bake for 40 minutes. It’s not instant lasagna, but for this homemade favorite, it’s pretty close.

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (5)

How to Make Chunky Tomato Sauce

I make my favorite go-to tomato sauce with whole canned tomatoes, so I don’t have to have too many different types of canned tomatoes on hand. I also think whole canned tomatoes are softer and taste fresher than diced or pureed tomatoes.

If I buy the really good ones (San Marzano, from Italy), they break down in the pan with a potato masher—just right for a rustic style sauce. However, some brands of tomatoes are fairly firm and need some help.

Once you open the can, use a large pair of scissors and get right in there to snip and “chop.” You are just trying to break them up into medium-size pieces and contain them in the can so they don’t spurt all over. Once you heat them in the pan, you can break them up even more with a potato masher.

If you simply must have smooth sauce, then puree the tomatoes in a food processor or blender and simmer with the sausage. But for this recipe, I like the chunky sauce with the sausage.

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (6)

Tips to Make Ahead, Store and Freeze

  • To make one day ahead: Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap. Bake as directed, adding five to 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • To freeze for up to three months: Assemble the lasagna and cover with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze. Preheat the oven to 375°F degrees. Remove plastic wrap and foil and place foil loosely over the top. Place it on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for about one hour. Remove foil tent and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes, until lasagna is bubbling and cheese is browned.
  • To reheat leftovers: Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. A quick zap in the microwave also works for individual servings.
How to Freeze Lasagna and Other CasserolesREAD MORE:

More Cooking for Two Recipes

  • Stuffed Squash with Turkey and Apples
  • Cacio e Pepe
  • Microwave Strawberry Jam
  • How to Make Overnight Oatmeal
  • Easy Miso Fish Soup with Soba

Loaf Pan Lasagna

Prep Time25 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time65 mins

Servings2to 3 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 Italian chicken sausages (about 1/2 pound)

  • 1 (28-ounces) can whole, peeled tomatoes

  • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan

  • Pinch ground nutmeg

  • Pinch ground black pepper

  • Oil or oil spray, for the loaf pan

  • 4 no-boil lasagna noodles

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

For garnish:

  • Chopped parsley

Method

  1. Cook the sausage:

    In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Either slice the sausage into rounds or remove the casing from the sausage by slicing lengthwise down the side and cook it like ground sausage.

    When the oil shimmers, add the sausage to the pan, and cook for about 6 minutes or until browned. Use a cooking utensil to break the sausage up as you cook it. Transfer to a plate.

  2. Snip the tomatoes:

    Open the can of tomatoes and use a large pair of scissors to snip and break them up in the can into chunky pieces. You will mash them a little more in the skillet.

  3. Make the sauce:

    In the same skillet you used to brown the sausage, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds, or until the garlic sizzles. Add the tomatoes with their juices, salt, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce is hot.

    Use a potato masher to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces (this is easiest to do when tomatoes soften in the heat). You are aiming for a chunky sauce.

    Add the sausage back to the pan and cook for 10 minutes. Taste, and add more salt and sugar, if you like.

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (7)

  4. Make the ricotta mixture:

    Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir the egg, ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg, and pepper together.

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (8)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (9)

  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F:

    Brush or spray a 4x8-inch loaf pan with oil.

  6. Assemble the lasagna:

    In the bottom of the loaf pan, ladle about 1/2 cup tomato-sausage sauce. Top with 1 noodle. Spread with 1/2 cup sauce, and then spread 1/3 mounded cup of the ricotta mixture over it.

    Place a second noodle on top of the ricotta mixture. Spread 1/3 mounded cup ricotta mixture over it, and top with 1/2 cup tomato-sausage sauce.

    Place a third noodle on top of the sauce. Spread with remaining ricotta and spoon 1/2 cup tomato-sausage sauce over it, using up all of the remaining sausage pieces in this layer.

    Place a fourth noodle on top of the sauce and spoon the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella.

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (10)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (11)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (12)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (13)

  7. Bake the lasagna:

    Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet. Fold a large piece of foil in half and fold it in half again. Make a tent over the loaf pan (so it does not stick to the cheese.) Bake for 25 minutes.

    Remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil tent. Check to see if the lasagna is uneven or if it peaks in the middle. If it’s uneven, use the back of a spoon to press the top layer lightly to make it level in the loaf pan and submerge the noodles in the sauce.

    Turn the oven down to 375°F. Return lasagna to the oven and continue to bake for 15 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is golden brown. (If you like stretchy rather than browned cheese, check after 10 minutes.)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (14)

    Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (15)

  8. To serve:

    Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if you like.

  • Lasagnas
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
673Calories
35g Fat
47g Carbs
44g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2to 3
Amount per serving
Calories673
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 35g45%
Saturated Fat 11g56%
Cholesterol 176mg59%
Sodium 1563mg68%
Total Carbohydrate 47g17%
Dietary Fiber 7g25%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 44g
Vitamin C 35mg174%
Calcium 551mg42%
Iron 5mg27%
Potassium 950mg20%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Loaf Pan Lasagna for Two Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to cook two pans of lasagna? ›

We recommend baking two pans of lasagne at the same temperature (375°F); however, it may take additional time. Be sure to check the internal temperature after 50 minutes. Lasagne will be done when internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Do you bake lasagna at 350 or 375? ›

Assemble the lasagna in an oven-safe container and store it in the refrigerator. The temperature should be at or below 40 degrees. When you are ready to cook the lasagna, bake it in the oven for approximately 60 minutes at 375 degrees.

How do you make lasagna so it doesn't fall apart? ›

If your lasagna is falling apart it could be because, it is to hot. Let it sit about 5 mins after you pull it out of the oven. Also your sauce could be to thin, if your sauce is watery it will cause your lasagna to not cut properly. Thicken it up by letting it reduce, adding less water or adding a bit of tomato paste.

What goes first on the bottom of lasagna? ›

Start by spreading a layer of your tomato-based sauce (either a plain tomato sauce or your pre-made ragù) on the bottom of your dish. Next, add a single layer of pasta sheets. Then, add a layer of white sauce, followed by another single layer of pasta sheets.

Should lasagna be 2 or 3 layers? ›

The best way to layer your lasagna is to start with a layer of red sauce, follow it up with a layer of white sauce, then pasta, then cheese. Follow this pattern until you've filled your tray.

Do you bake lasagna covered or uncovered? ›

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until cheese is golden brown, 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Can you overcook lasagna in the oven? ›

Lasagna should be cooked for at least 45 minutes in a hot oven at 350°F, though it really depends on the number of layers. To prevent an overcooked surface and an undercooked center, cover with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.

How do you know when lasagna is done baking? ›

Bake the Lasagna

Once the lasagna is ready, cover the pan with a layer of aluminum foil. Place the pan in the oven and allow it to bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil so the cheese can brown. The lasagna is done when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

How many pieces of lasagna are in a 9x13 pan? ›

As a general rule of thumb, one 13x9 pan will yield 8 medium-sized portions. You can adjust the serving sizes to your family's appetite: if they have larger appetites, you cut the pan into 6 large portions, and if they have smaller appetites, you can cut the pan into 10 smaller portions.

What is the correct order to layer lasagna? ›

Begin Layering

After the initial sauce layer, add a layer of pasta sheets, ricotta mixture (or bechamel), sauce, and cheese. Then repeat the layers. Top the last layer of your lasagna with sauce and cheese. You can also alternate layers of sauce and ricotta cheese.

How do I make my lasagna more solid? ›

Use the oven-ready (no boil) lasagna noodles. It absorbs some of the extra liquid released from the cheeses and sauce and keep it firmer. Also, do NOT use part-skim mozzarella or ricotta - use the whole milk versions.

How do you thicken lasagna filling? ›

You could also use a roux, a cooked mixture of starch and fat (usually flour and butter). It's a highly popular and equally effective thickening agent. To make a roux, melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk until it forms a thick golden brown paste. Add it to your tomato sauce and whisk well to prevent clumping.

How thick should lasagna sauce be? ›

Remove from heat, add cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted. The Sauce should be thick but still easily pourable – the consistency of heavy cream (you need to be able to drizzle it over the Ragu when layering – see video). If it's too thick, add a splash of water or milk.

Do you need to pre-cook dry lasagne sheets? ›

It is not necessary to pre-cook lasagne pasta. Pre-heat oven. In a greased ovenproof dish place a thin layer of your choice of sauce and then arrange a layer of lasagne sheets on top. Alternate layers of the sauce and lasagne sheets covering the last layer with a white sauce.

How do you bake two pans at once? ›

Of course you can, put them in side by side, midway through cooking turn them both around, if you can't get them side by side put one on top rack and one on the bottom rack, midway through cooking switch racks and turn them around.

Can two pans touch in the oven? ›

They should not touch each other and there should be at least one inch between the pans and oven walls to allow for even heat circulation (Step 1). In very small ovens it may be necessary to place the pans on two racks.

How long to cook 2 stouffer lasagna? ›

Cook Frozen (0°F) product 1 hour and 15-20 min./Thawed (40°F or less) product 50-55 min. CONVENTIONAL OVEN 400°F Preheated: Tent lid. Place tray on baking sheet.

How many does a 9x13 pan of lasagna feed? ›

As a general rule of thumb, one 13x9 pan will yield 8 medium-sized portions. You can adjust the serving sizes to your family's appetite: if they have larger appetites, you cut the pan into 6 large portions, and if they have smaller appetites, you can cut the pan into 10 smaller portions.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 5988

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.