Skip The Layers: This Lasagna Method Takes Just 5 Minutes Of Prep And The Stove Does The Rest

Recipes may seem deceptively hands-free, until you see just how much preparation they require before they're stuck in the oven. The hearty taste of lasagna does offer lots of payoff, but the painstaking measures of preparing each ingredient before layering them makes one keep their local Italian spot on speed dial. Instead, save both time and money by making the entire lasagna on the stove. By putting the sauce in a large pot and then sticking in the lasagna noodles, this method gets rid of lengthy prep while still providing all the flavors you love in the classic dish.

While it's certainly not your Nonna's traditional recipe, the lazy lasagna method is perfect for weeknight dinners. After only a few minutes of prep, start by softening your mirepoix in the pan before adding the ground beef. Once cooked, continue with all the sauce ingredients you'd find in a classic gluten-free lasagna recipe — minced garlic, chopped tomatoes and puree, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a splash of wine. Allow it to come to a simmer, then add the noodles horizontally and cover the pot. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top, followed by scoops of ricotta, and let the cheeses melt before serving.

If there's one thing even better than a hearty, lazy dinner, it's having easy sides to pair alongside it. Three-ingredient Italian mashed potatoes make a delicious accompaniment to the pasta dish, and they're relatively hands-free, as well. The simple potatoes feature just a sprinkle of nutmeg for added earthiness, so you can go as bold with the lasagna as you'd like. Opt for ground lentils for a vegetarian take that complements the nutty spice or add in a medley of mushrooms for a woodsy touch.

Lasagna tastes extraordinarily rich, so it never hurts to balance them out with something slightly acerbic. These simple dandelion greens cut through the heaviness of the pasta without leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. The greens are sautéed in olive oil; flavored with salt, garlic, and pepper; and then sprinkled with parmesan. Coming together in a matter of minutes, you can quickly prepare them as the cheese melts on your lasagna.

Stovetop lasagna is the perfect meal prep dish, so you can make it days ahead of time, as long as it's stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or in the freezer for three months. To reheat frozen lasagna, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.