Image source: AI generated image
All the comfort of a classic lasagne with half the washing up
Craving homemade lasagne but not the stack of dishes that comes with it? This one pot version delivers the same rich, cheesy flavours without the layering. Fresh lasagne sheets cook directly in the sauce, making this a hearty weeknight dinner that’s simple enough for busy evenings
Why you’ll love this recipe
- One pot means less washing up.
- Ready in around 45 minutes.
- Packed with hidden vegetables.
- Freezes well for easy meal prep.
- Comfort food that’s perfect for feeding the family.
Serves
4–6
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g bolognese mince (a 50/50 beef and pork mix works best)
- 1 large brown onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 tbsp mixed Italian herbs
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Continental beef stock pot (or similar jelly-style stock pot)
- 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes
- Splash of milk or cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 250g fresh lasagne sheets
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup grated tasty cheese
Image source: AI generated image
Method
- Heat a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the onion, carrot and celery, then cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir through the garlic and Italian herbs and cook for another minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute before adding the beef stock pot, diced tomatoes, sugar and a splash of milk or cream. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Tear the fresh lasagne sheets into large rustic pieces. Push them down into the sauce, weaving them through the meat mixture so they’re mostly submerged.
- Cover and simmer for 8–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
- Sprinkle over the Parmesan and tasty cheese. Cover for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted, or place the pot under a hot grill for a few minutes if it’s oven-safe and you’d like a golden cheesy top.
- Serve with fresh basil, cracked black pepper and a simple green salad if you like.
Tips and easy swaps
- No fresh lasagne sheets? Dried lasagne sheets snapped into pieces will also work — just add a little extra liquid and allow a few extra minutes to cook.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini or spinach for an extra veggie boost.
- Swap the cream for milk if that’s what you have on hand.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well for up to three months.
Key takeaway
Classic comfort food doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or a mountain of dishes. This one pot lasagne keeps all the rich, cheesy flavour of the original while making weeknight cooking quicker, easier and just as satisfying.
Your wellbeing, your way
When cooking isn’t on the menu, WHEREFIT members can also access healthy meal delivery services, nutrition apps and other wellbeing partners that make eating well a little more convenient.