Ramen lasagna

Introduction: A Creative Fusion Dish You’ll Love

Are you ready to experience a deliciously inventive twist on traditional lasagna? This Ramen Lasagna combines the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the convenience and versatility of ramen noodles. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a fun dish to wow guests, or a kid-approved meal, this recipe will deliver on all fronts.

Instead of lasagna sheets, ramen noodles serve as the base for this flavorful casserole. Layered with a hearty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned protein (like chicken or beef), this dish is a quick, budget-friendly alternative to classic lasagna. It’s ideal for experimenting with flavors while keeping preparation simple.

Why You’ll Love This Ramen Lasagna

• Quick & Easy: Ramen noodles cook in minutes, cutting down on the preparation time compared to traditional lasagna sheets.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, perfect for feeding a family or entertaining without breaking the bank.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to fit dietary needs, preferences, or whatever you have in your pantry.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Combining ramen with a classic lasagna brings together two comfort-food favorites in one unforgettable dish.

Whether you’re a fan of Italian-inspired meals or creative fusions, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

Related Recipe: Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie – Another comforting dinner idea that’s easy to prepare.

Key Ingredients for Ramen Lasagna

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to the layers of flavor, texture, and overall appeal of the dish. Let’s break it down:

• Ramen Noodles: These act as the “pasta” layer in the lasagna. Choose plain, uncooked ramen blocks (discard the seasoning packets). Substitute with gluten-free ramen if needed.
• Ground Meat: Use ground chicken, turkey, or beef as the protein layer. For a vegetarian version, swap with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
• Tomato Sauce: A high-quality marinara or tomato sauce forms the base of the lasagna’s flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the layers. Cottage cheese is a great lower-calorie alternative.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that essential gooey, melty topping. Shred your own mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor and gives the dish a golden crust.
• Herbs and Spices: Garlic, onion powder, oregano, and basil are used to season the sauce and meat. Fresh parsley or basil for garnish adds freshness.

Try This Too: Taco Lasagna Recipe – A spicy, Mexican-inspired lasagna variation.

Cooking Time and Nutritional Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400–450 calories (varies based on specific ingredients)

Ingredients List

Gather these pantry staples and fresh ingredients for your ramen lasagna:

• 3 packets of plain ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or beef
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ramen Lasagna

Follow these detailed steps to prepare a perfect ramen lasagna:

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your lasagna will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to golden perfection.
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a 9×13 dish, a similarly sized casserole dish works just as well.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Tips for Cooking the Sauce:

• Use a large skillet or sauté pan with a heavy bottom to prevent burning.
• Always preheat your skillet before adding oil to ensure even cooking.

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in your skillet.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic can create a bitter flavor.
4. Stir in your ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef). Break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
   • Pro Tip: For extra flavor, season the meat lightly with a pinch of salt, pepper, and onion powder while it’s cooking.
5. Once the meat is browned and fully cooked (no pink remains), carefully drain any excess grease if needed.
6. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle with oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Ramen Noodles

Tips for Perfect Noodles:

• Since ramen noodles cook extremely quickly, be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Overcooked noodles will become mushy during baking.

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add your ramen noodle blocks (3 packs) and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until they start to soften. Do not cook them fully—they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the noodles and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside on a plate or in a bowl.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Layering Tips:

• Always start with a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
• Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavors and consistent cooking.

Instructions:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about ½ cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Place a layer of the cooked ramen noodles over the sauce. Break the noodles into pieces as needed to fit the dish without overlapping.
3. Add ⅓ of the ricotta cheese, spreading it over the noodles using the back of a spoon.
4. Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer, followed by a small handful of Parmesan.
5. Cover with another generous layer of the meat sauce.
6. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce.
7. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce, topped generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake the Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese, as it can stick.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. If you want an extra-crispy top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations to Try

Take this ramen lasagna to the next level with these creative variations:

• Vegetarian Ramen Lasagna: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of meat for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a kick of heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Incorporate additional cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra indulgence.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap marinara for a teriyaki or hoisin-based sauce, and add shredded carrots, bok choy, and sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this ramen lasagna with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a satisfying side.
• Enjoy it with a glass of iced tea or a citrusy sparkling drink for a refreshing complement.

Tips for the Best Ramen Lasagna

• Undercook the Ramen: Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercooking them prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Drain Excess Grease: If using fattier ground meat, drain off any excess grease before adding the tomato sauce to prevent the dish from being too oily.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the lasagna rest after baking to make slicing easier and keep the layers intact.
• Customize to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasonings or cheese amounts to suit your preferences.

Benefits of This Ramen Lasagna

• Convenience: Uses quick-cooking ramen noodles for minimal prep time.
• Versatility: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or fun family meals.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar taste of ramen and cheese is a hit with children.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when needed.

Can You Put Ricotta in Ramen?

Yes, you can put ricotta in ramen to create a rich, creamy texture. Ricotta adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the salty, savory broth. Here’s how to incorporate ricotta into ramen:

Steps to Add Ricotta to Ramen

1. Prepare the Ramen Broth: Cook your ramen noodles in your preferred broth (chicken, miso, vegetable, or soy-based).
2. Add Ricotta: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese while the broth is still hot. Mix thoroughly until the ricotta dissolves into the broth, creating a creamy consistency.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Add toppings like sautéed vegetables, a soft-boiled egg, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added texture and taste.
4. Optional Seasoning: Sprinkle some chili flakes, black pepper, or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Ricotta works especially well in vegetarian or fusion-style ramen recipes for a unique twist.

How to Cook Noodles in Lasagna

When cooking noodles for lasagna, it’s essential to prepare them correctly to ensure your dish comes out perfectly layered and not soggy.

Steps to Cook Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles:
   • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
   • Add a pinch of salt to flavor the noodles.
   • Add the lasagna noodles one by one to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Until Al Dente:
   • Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Typically, it’s about 8-10 minutes.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cool the Noodles:
   • Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander.
   • Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking together.
4. Lay Flat:
   • Spread the noodles flat on a clean surface, such as parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel, until ready to assemble your lasagna.

Pro Tip

If you’re using no-boil lasagna noodles, skip the boiling process and ensure your sauce has enough moisture to cook the noodles while baking.

Can You Turn Pasta Into Ramen?

Yes, you can turn pasta into ramen by modifying the texture and seasoning to mimic ramen noodles. While traditional ramen uses wheat-based alkaline noodles, you can create a similar effect with regular pasta.

Steps to Turn Pasta Into Ramen

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Spaghetti or angel hair pasta works best due to its thin and long shape.
2. Add Baking Soda:
   • Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda for every liter of water.
   • This creates an alkaline environment, giving the pasta a springy texture similar to ramen noodles.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Rinse and Use:
   • Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to remove excess starch.
   • Use the pasta in your ramen broth as you would traditional ramen noodles.

This method is a simple and accessible way to create ramen noodles at home using common pantry ingredients.

What Is Ramen Pasta Called?

Ramen pasta is traditionally referred to as ramen noodles or chūkamen in Japanese. These noodles are characterized by their springy texture and are typically made with the following ingredients:

Ingredients in Ramen Noodles

• Wheat Flour: The primary base for ramen noodles.
• Water: Essential for forming the dough.
• Kansui: An alkaline mineral water containing sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, which gives ramen its signature chewy texture and yellow hue.
• Salt: Adds flavor and enhances the elasticity of the dough.

Types of Ramen Noodles

1. Straight Noodles: Smooth and uniform, ideal for light broths like shoyu or shio ramen.
2. Wavy Noodles: Curly and textured, perfect for rich broths like tonkotsu or miso ramen.

Ramen noodles are distinct from Italian pasta due to the addition of kansui, which alters the texture and flavor, making them unique to ramen dishes.

Conclusion

This ramen lasagna recipe is a delicious fusion that combines the simplicity of ramen with the heartiness of lasagna. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on dinner or a crowd-pleasing casserole for your next gathering, this dish is the perfect solution.

Try it out, share your results, and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media! Your ramen lasagna masterpiece might just inspire others to give this recipe a try. Enjoy!