What happens when your favorite budget-friendly noodles meet the rich, cheesy layers of a traditional lasagna? Magic. This Ramen Lasagna is fun, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want to surprise someone with something unexpectedly delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who loves both classic comfort food and clever kitchen hacks, this recipe speaks to me. You take the nostalgia of instant ramen and pair it with the hearty layers of meat, cheese, and marinara that make lasagna so irresistible. The result? A lasagna bake that’s easier, faster, and just as comforting as the traditional kind—without the need to boil and layer stiff pasta sheets.
It’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples creatively and feed a hungry crowd on a budget.
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 packages of instant ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
🔄 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Beef: Ground turkey or sausage works great, or go meatless with lentils or mushrooms.
- Ricotta: Cottage cheese is a solid, creamy alternative.
- Mozzarella: Try shredded Italian blend or even cheddar for a twist.
- Add greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale to sneak in veggies.
- Ramen: Don’t overcook—just soft enough to layer without falling apart.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions (just the noodles—no seasoning). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, layer ingredients as follows:
- A layer of cooked ramen noodles
- Spoonfuls of ricotta cheese
- A layer of the beef and sauce mixture
- A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella
- Repeat for 2–3 layers, finishing with mozzarella on top
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers hold together.
💡 Tips for Success
- Break noodles in half if needed to better fit the baking dish.
- Don’t skip the resting time—it helps the lasagna firm up and slice cleanly.
- You can prepare this dish up to 1 day in advance—just cover and refrigerate before baking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Round out your ramen lasagna dinner with a few fun sides or appetizers:
- Pair with This Dorito Casserole for a quirky comfort food night.
- Add some Sheet Pan Quesadillas to feed extra guests.
- Serve with a side of Crockpot Nacho Dip for a gooey appetizer.
- Try Beer Cheese Dip with chips or veggies to snack while it bakes.
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- You can also freeze the whole lasagna (before or after baking)—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
🧾 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something creative, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, Ramen Lasagna is your new go-to. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and combines two iconic dishes into one ooey-gooey, fork-twirling experience.
Tried it? Tag us or leave a comment below—we’d love to see your cheesy creations. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more comforting twists and kitchen inspiration!
