Lasagna Pan For Two: How Much?

Lasagna is a beloved dish for many, but it's usually made in large batches. If you're making it for two, you'll need to adjust the recipe and use a smaller pan. A 9x5 loaf pan is perfect for a small batch of lasagna, yielding four slices.

The amount of ingredients you'll need will depend on the size of your pan and the number of servings you want. For a 9x5 loaf pan, you'll need:

- 3-6 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil)

- 1/2 pound of ground beef or a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage

- 1/2 cup of diced onion

- 1 clove of garlic, minced

- 2 1/4 cups of spaghetti sauce

- 1 cup of ricotta cheese

- 1 egg

- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling on top

- Optional: carrots, basil, and other seasonings to taste

To make the lasagna, start by cooking the noodles if you're not using no-boil noodles. In a large skillet, brown the meat, onion, garlic, and any other vegetables you're using. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil (if using).

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your loaf pan. Add a layer of noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat this layering process, ending with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes if using no-boil noodles, or 20 minutes if using traditional noodles. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is browned. Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving.

This small-batch lasagna is perfect for a cosy dinner for two, with just the right amount of leftovers for lunch the next day.

Lasagna for two: ingredients and measurements

Lasagna is a great dish to make for a large group, but it can also be made for just two people. Here are the ingredients and measurements you'll need to make a delicious lasagna for two:

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles: Use no-boil noodles to save time, or traditional lasagna noodles that need to be boiled before assembling. You'll need about 3-6 noodles, depending on the brand and size of your pan.
• Meat: You can use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, or just ground beef. For a lasagna for two, you'll need a total of 1/2 pound of meat.
• Tomato sauce: Use your favourite spaghetti sauce, or make your own. You'll need about 2 1/4 cups of sauce.
• Cheese: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese is typical. For a lasagna for two, you'll need about 1 cup of ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Eggs: You'll need one egg to help bind the filling.
• Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and carrot are commonly used to add flavour to the meat sauce.
• Spices and herbs: Salt, pepper, basil, and red pepper flakes can be used to taste.

Measurements:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 400°F if using the Chef Julie Yoon recipe).
• Grease a 9x5 loaf pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
• If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente, being careful not to overcook them. You'll need enough noodles to create 2-3 layers in your pan, depending on the width of the noodles.
• In a skillet, heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil or a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the garlic and any spices or herbs you're using, and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
• In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, basil, and salt to taste.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your loaf pan (about 1/4 cup).
• Add a layer of noodles, depending on the width of your noodles, you may need 1-2 noodles per layer.
• Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles, followed by half of the meat sauce.
• Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of noodles.
• Top the final layer of noodles with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned.
• Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving.

How to assemble a lasagna for two

Lasagna is a great dish to make for a crowd, but it's also possible to assemble a smaller lasagna for just two people. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• Lasagna noodles (either traditional or no-boil)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Meat of your choice (ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination)
• Onion
• Carrot
• Garlic
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste (optional)
• Cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and/or cottage cheese)
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings (oregano, red pepper flakes, parsley, basil)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If using traditional lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your choice of meat, onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
• Add the garlic and any other seasonings (oregano, red pepper flakes, etc.) and cook for an additional minute.
• Stir in tomato paste (if using) and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, prepare the cheese filling by mixing ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil or parsley, and salt.
• Grease a 9x5 loaf pan or a similar-sized baking dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
• Add a layer of lasagna noodles, cutting them to fit if necessary.
• Spread a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
• Repeat the layering of noodles, cheese, and meat sauce until you have used up your ingredients, ending with a layer of sauce.
• Sprinkle the top with any remaining cheese.
• Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is browned and bubbly.
• Let the lasagna cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. You can use a combination of meats, such as ground beef and Italian sausage, or make it vegetarian by substituting the meat sauce with roasted vegetables. You can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

Baking and reheating instructions

If you're using traditional lasagna noodles, first cook them according to the package directions. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the noodles and a big handful of salt, and cook until al dente. Be careful not to overcook your noodles as they will be cooked again while baking.

Next, brown the meat along with the onion, garlic, and carrot. You can use all ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage. As long as you use 1/2 pound of meat in total, you can use whatever combination you like.

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the sauce. You can use jarred sauce to save time and energy, or you can use your favourite homemade spaghetti sauce.

While the meat is cooking, prepare the cheese filling by stirring together the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, basil (or homemade basil pesto), and salt. You can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, but be sure to drain any excess liquid. Adding an egg to the cheese mixture will help bind the filling so it doesn’t ooze out when cutting and will add some extra creaminess.

Once both fillings are done, it’s time to assemble your lasagna. First, add about 1/4 cup of sauce to the bottom of your loaf pan to prevent sticking and keep the noodles from drying out.

Next, add your noodles. The length of lasagna noodles can vary depending on the brand, so you may need to cut them to fit your pan. You will likely need to use two noodles per layer due to the small width.

After adding your noodles, add your cheese filling and then top with the meat and sauce, making sure the noodles are fully covered so they cook properly while baking.

End your layer with 1-2 more noodles. Repeat this process one more time, using up the remaining meat and cheese filling.

Once you get to the very top, finish it off with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil and bake as directed.

The bake time for lasagna will depend on whether you used traditional or no-boil noodles. If using no-boil noodles, cook at 375°F until the noodles are soft and tender, about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until browned. If using traditional noodles, they are already mostly cooked, so you may need less time—about 20 minutes before removing the foil and browning.

If you want to assemble the lasagna ahead of time, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you need more time, it's better to freeze it. Make sure everything is cooled to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to ensure food safety.

To reheat frozen lasagna, transfer it to the refrigerator and thaw overnight. If thawing slices, you may only need a few hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake at 375°F until hot, about 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is browned.

Cost of making a pan of lasagna for two

Lasagna is a popular dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, but the cost of making a pan of lasagna for two can vary depending on several factors, including the type and quality of ingredients used, as well as the location where the ingredients are purchased. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs for making a pan of lasagna for two:

Ingredients:

• Pasta sheets or noodles: The cost of pasta can vary depending on the type and brand. No-boil noodles, which are convenient and require less preparation time, may cost more than traditional pasta sheets that need to be boiled beforehand.
• Meat: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both are commonly used in lasagna. The cost of meat can vary depending on the quantity and quality. For a pan of lasagna for two, you would typically need around 1/2 pound of meat.
• Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses are essential for a classic lasagna. The cost of cheese can vary depending on the type and quality. For a pan of lasagna for two, you would need approximately 1 cup of ricotta, 1/2 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
• Tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes are commonly used in lasagna. The cost can vary depending on the brand and quality. You would typically need around 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce for a pan of lasagna for two.
• Other ingredients: Additional ingredients such as onions, garlic, eggs, spices, and fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your lasagna. These ingredients may add to the overall cost, but they are typically inexpensive and can be adjusted based on your budget and preferences.

Cost Breakdown Example:

To estimate the cost of making a pan of lasagna for two, let's consider the following example using average prices for the ingredients:

• Pasta sheets (no-boil): $2.50
• Ground beef: $4.00 (for 1/2 pound)
• Ricotta cheese: $3.00 (for 1 cup)
• Mozzarella cheese: $2.00 (for 1/2 cup)
• Parmesan cheese: $1.50 (for 1/4 cup)
• Canned tomato sauce: $1.50 (for 1 1/2 cups)
• Onions, garlic, and spices: $1.00

The total cost for the ingredients in this example would be around $15.50. This estimate can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, the quality of the ingredients, and the location where they are purchased.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Baking dish: If you don't have a suitable baking dish or loaf pan, you may need to purchase one. The cost can vary depending on the type and quality of the dish.
• Storage containers: If you plan to store leftovers, you may need storage containers or aluminum foil. These costs are typically minimal.
• Oven usage: Consider the cost of using your oven, especially if you plan to bake the lasagna for an extended period. This cost can vary depending on your energy rates.

In conclusion, the cost of making a pan of lasagna for two can range from $10 to $20 or more, depending on the ingredients used and their quality. By adjusting the ingredients and shopping for the best prices, you can make a delicious and affordable lasagna for two.

Lasagna for two: vegetarian options

Lasagna is a well-loved dish, but it's usually made in large batches. If you're looking for a smaller portion, consider making a vegetarian lasagna for two in a loaf pan. This will give you just four slices, which is perfect for two people with hearty appetites or leaves some leftovers if you serve it with a side salad and bread.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, eggplant, carrots, etc.)
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes

For the cheese layer:

• Cottage cheese or ricotta
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Egg
• Parsley

You will also need lasagna noodles. You can use the regular kind and boil them first, or opt for no-boil noodles to save time.

Method

First, prepare your vegetables by chopping them into small pieces. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add your vegetables with a pinch of salt. Cook until they are golden and tender, about 8-12 minutes. If using spinach, add it towards the end and cook until wilted.

Next, make the tomato sauce. Drain a can of crushed tomatoes and blend them with basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. You can also use store-bought tomato sauce if you prefer.

In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese or ricotta with an egg, some pepper, and half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Now it's time to assemble the lasagna! Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your loaf pan. Add a layer of noodles, followed by the cheese mixture, and more sauce. Repeat this process, ending with a layer of noodles. Top with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Feel free to get creative with your choice of vegetables. You can also add some Italian seasoning or other spices to the sauce for extra flavour.
• If you want to make this dish vegan, use vegan cheese alternatives and substitute the egg with a vegan option or simply leave it out.
• If you want to add some extra protein, you can include cooked lentils or chickpeas in the sauce.
• You can also make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles or substituting the noodles with long, thin slices of grilled eggplant or zucchini.

Frequently asked questions