Save This ramen lasagna is a playful twist on two beloved comfort foods. Tender ramen noodles step into the limelight, replacing classic lasagna sheets and soaking up layers of rich meat sauce and creamy cheese. If you are craving something both familiar and surprising, this fusion recipe might become your new favorite for weeknight dinners or a fun weekend project.
I was inspired to create this during a family movie night when we could not decide between lasagna and ramen, and everyone cleaned their plates. Now it is one of our go-to comfort meals for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles: Provide chew and soak up flavor. Opt for plain, wavy bricks of ramen without flavoring packets. Fresh ramen will also work if you can find some.
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness. Choose 80:85 percent lean for the juiciest sauce.
- Marinara sauce: Supplies sweetness and tang. Go for a jarred sauce with few added sugars and plenty of herbs.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy richness. Whole milk ricotta gives the best texture.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for clean layers.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and a nutty edge. Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic lasagna effect. Low-moisture mozzarella works best.
- Onion and garlic: Build a fragrant flavor base. Look for onions that are firm and glossy, and garlic bulbs with tight skin.
- Oregano: Infuses Italian character. Dried or fresh both work, but dried is more convenient here.
- Fresh parsley: Offers color and a hint of freshness. Choose bright green bundles free of wilt.
- Nutmeg: Lends a subtle warmth. Use freshly grated if you can.
- Olive oil: Rounds things out and helps everything brown.
- Salt and black pepper: Sharpen all the flavors.
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease your 9x13:inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. This keeps your lasagna from sticking when serving.
- Pre: cook the Ramen:
- Cook ramen noodles in boiling water for two minutes less than the package suggests. You want them soft but slightly undercooked so they hold up after baking. Drain noodles and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium. Add finely chopped onion and cook for two or three minutes, stirring until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for just thirty seconds so it becomes fragrant but does not brown.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet along with salt, pepper, and oregano. Use a spatula to break up the meat as you cook. When meat is no longer pink and beginning to brown, drain off any fat.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in marinara sauce and blend it into the beef mixture. Lower heat and let simmer for five minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth and creamy for easy spreading.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce over the base of your baking dish. Arrange ramen noodles on top by breaking them to fit. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and sprinkle on a third of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Add another layer of meat sauce, noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another third of the mozzarella. Top with a final layer of noodles and the rest of the meat sauce, then finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
- Bake and Finish:
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for twenty: five minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This helps create that crave: worthy cheesy crust.
- Let Rest and Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest at room temperature for ten minutes. This allows the layers to set, which makes slicing much easier and keeps your layers neat.
Save My favorite part about this dish is the way ramen noodles soak up all the juices from the meat and cheese without falling apart. One night, we even snuck in a handful of extra parsley from the garden and it made the flavors pop. This is now my “family request” meal whenever everyone visits at once.
Storage Tips
Once cooled, store leftover ramen lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Slices reheat nicely in the microwave or oven. If you want to freeze individual pieces, wrap tightly in plastic then foil. Thaw overnight before gently warming in the oven.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to suit dietary preferences. If you love extra vegetables, add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for an earthy twist. Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter feel, and mozzarella can be blended with provolone for added meltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Pair slices of ramen lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Garlic bread or Japanese milk bread makes a cozy side for soaking up extra sauce. For a fusion touch, serve with a chilled cup of green tea or your favorite light red wine.
Cultural and Historical Notes
This fusion recipe started as a playful experiment and quickly turned into a conversation starter at gatherings. Combining humble ramen with the grandeur of Italian lasagna pays homage to both traditions while creating something uniquely comforting. It is a reminder that cooking is all about creativity and curiosity.
Save With its golden bubbling cheese and savory layers, this ramen lasagna brings together two worlds in every forkful. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes for comforting leftovers.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well and offer lighter or vegetarian alternatives while maintaining flavor.
- → Do ramen noodles need to be cooked before layering?
Boil the ramen noodles briefly, 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain them, so they're pliable but slightly undercooked.
- → What cheeses are used in the dish?
Ricotta and Parmesan combine for the creamy layer, while mozzarella adds melty goodness throughout and on top.
- → How can I add extra nutrition?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be layered for more nutrients and added depth of flavor. Add between noodle layers.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake before serving, or reheat slices as needed. Flavors develop nicely overnight.
- → What tools are essential for preparation?
You'll need a 9x13-inch baking dish, skillet, mixing bowl, saucepan, and foil for best results.