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Easy No-Boil Dutch Oven Lasagna Recipe Perfect for Campfire Cooking

no-boil dutch oven lasagna - featured image

A simple and hearty no-boil lasagna recipe cooked in a Dutch oven over a campfire, perfect for outdoor meals with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • No-boil lasagna noodles (Barilla brand recommended)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend (dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the campfire and let it burn down to hot coals, about 30-40 minutes before cooking.
  2. Place the Dutch oven over a few coals and add olive oil. Sauté ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook until browned and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, a pinch of salt, and grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
  5. Spread a thin layer (~1/4 cup) of marinara sauce on the bottom of the Dutch oven.
  6. Place a layer of no-boil noodles, breaking to fit if necessary.
  7. Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over noodles, then half the meat sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.
  8. Repeat layers finishing with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and a little Parmesan on top.
  9. Cover the Dutch oven and place it on a bed of hot coals. Arrange about 10-12 coals on the lid for even heat.
  10. Cook for 35-40 minutes without lifting the lid often. After 30 minutes, check for bubbly sauce and tender noodles; cook longer if needed.
  11. Remove from coals and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If noodles aren’t softening enough, add a splash of water or extra sauce when layering. Maintain medium heat with coals to avoid burning. Let lasagna rest before serving to help it set. Use lid lifter or heat-resistant gloves to handle hot Dutch oven lid safely.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-boil lasagna, Dutch oven lasagna, campfire cooking, easy lasagna, camping recipe, no-prep pasta, outdoor cooking