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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 easy outdoor meals with minimal prep and delicious results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • No-boil lasagna noodles (3-4 noodles per layer)
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes. Set aside.
  4. Mix the ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Layer the lasagna in the Dutch oven: Lightly grease the bottom of the Dutch oven. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce to cover the base.
  6. Arrange a single layer of no-boil lasagna noodles (3-4 noodles). Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle with about 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
  7. Repeat layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cook over the campfire: Place the Dutch oven on a bed of hot coals and cover with the lid. Pile coals on top of the lid to create even heat.
  9. Cook for 30-40 minutes, checking after 25 minutes to avoid burning. The lasagna is done when noodles are tender, cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are slightly crisp.
  10. Rest before serving: Remove the Dutch oven from heat carefully using tongs and gloves. Let the lasagna sit with the lid off for 5 minutes to set.

Notes

Use indirect heat by cooking on hot coals and placing coals on the lid to mimic oven heat and prevent burning. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep heat consistent. Let the lasagna rest before serving to help it set. Season cast iron well to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-boil lasagna, Dutch oven, campfire cooking, easy lasagna, camping meals, no-boil noodles, outdoor cooking, comfort food