Description
This recipe offers a hearty and flavorful Roasted Tomato Basil Layer Stack, delivering all the comfort of classic lasagna with minimal fuss for busy weeknights and family dinners. It features sweet roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, making it a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (450g) ripe tomatoes (Roma, cherry, or grape)
- 0.5 cup (15g) fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 9–12 sheets lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups (225g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (low-moisture part-skim)
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- To taste salt
- To taste black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast Tomatoes: Toss 3 cups (450g) halved tomatoes with 2 Tbsp (30ml) olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, releasing a sweet aroma.
- Prepare Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook according to package directions until al dente (approx. 8-10 minutes); drain well. (If noodles look dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.)
- Begin Assembly: Spread a thin 0.5 cup layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer Lasagna: Layer noodles, 1/3 of the seasoned ricotta mixture (with salt, pepper, and some basil), 1/3 of the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers twice more, ending with mozzarella on top.
- First Bake: Cover the 9×13 inch baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be gently bubbling.
- Brown Cheese: Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and smells wonderfully toasty.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set for cleaner cuts.
Notes
To save prep time, use no-boil noodles or store-bought roasted red peppers. For individual portions or meal prep, make in ramekins. Elevate flavor with heirloom tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg