Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt
Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt is a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, all packed neatly into a charming heart shape. Imagine layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt is a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, all packed neatly into a charming heart shape. Imagine layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and seasoned meat or veggies, all baked together in a bundt pan for a perfect, shareable meal. The best part is how cute it looks when you slice into it—perfect for special occasions or any time you want to add a bit of love to dinner.
I love making this because it turns a classic comfort food into something a little extra special without any extra fuss. It’s a great way to impress friends or family, and I find everyone always wants seconds once they see the heart shape. You can even customize it with your favorite fillings—like extra spinach or different cheeses—to make it your own. Plus, baking it in a bundt pan helps it cook evenly and makes serving easy and neat.
My favorite way to enjoy this Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt is right out of the oven with a simple green salad on the side. The warm, cheesy layers paired with fresh veggies make it just right for a cozy dinner. I also think it’s a great recipe to prepare ahead of time; just bake it when you’re ready to serve and watch everyone’s faces light up. It’s a heartwarming meal that brings smiles and full bellies every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
No-boil lasagna noodles: These save time since you don’t need to pre-cook them. If unavailable, regular noodles will work but boil them according to package instructions first.
Ground beef or Italian sausage: I choose sausage for richer flavor, but ground turkey or plant-based crumbles are great swaps for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese is key for texture. If you want, cottage cheese blended till smooth works well too, making it a budget-friendly option.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: I love mozzarella for melty goodness; Parmesan adds a nice bite. You can mix in provolone or Asiago cheese if you want a twist.
Spinach: Optional but boosts nutrition and adds color. You can swap for kale or omit if you prefer a classic lasagna taste.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
How Can I Make the Lasagna Layers Fit Perfectly Into the Bundt Pan?
Fitting noodles in the bundt pan can be tricky, so here’s how to get it right without breaks or gaps.
- Start with the edge noodles: Stand noodles around the pan’s edge, letting the ruffled edges peek out. This creates a pretty ruffled border.
- Break noodles as needed: For filling inside the pan, gently snap noodles into smaller pieces to fit the curved bottom without crowding.
- Layer neatly: Spread fillings evenly on each layer. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth layers and fill gaps.
- Fold edges carefully: When folding the ruffled edges over the filling, do it gently to avoid tearing the noodles.
- Use no-boil noodles: These soften during baking, so a bit of overlapping noodles is fine and helps the layers meld beautifully.
Taking your time with these steps helps create that perfect heart shape and ensures every slice holds together nicely.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped or regular bundt pan – this shapes your lasagna perfectly and makes for easy slicing.
- Large skillet – for cooking the meat and sautéing onions and garlic evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine your cheese filling ingredients smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring and spreading layers without scratching your pan.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the bundt pan during baking for even cooking and melting cheese.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor that adds depth.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce to boost texture and taste.
- Use spinach or kale in the cheese mix for a fresh, healthy twist.
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese to change the melt and flavor profile.
Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (enough to fit the bundt pan)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 4 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking and greasing pan
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe usually takes about 45 minutes to prepare and assemble. Baking time is around 45 to 50 minutes, including covered and uncovered baking phases. You’ll also want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. So, in total, plan for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat and Sauce Base:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your heart-shaped or regular bundt pan with olive oil to keep the lasagna from sticking. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until browned all the way through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re using fresh spinach, add it now too. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir everything together until smooth and well mixed.
3. Assemble the Bundt Lasagna:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your greased bundt pan. Then, take several no-boil lasagna noodles and stand them upright around the edge of the pan, slightly overlapping the edges to create a ruffled border that peaks above the pan’s rim.
Into the center of this noodle border, spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Over the cheese, spoon a layer of the cooked meat. Then add a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce on top. Place another layer of lasagna noodles over everything inside the pan. If needed, carefully break noodles to fit the curved shape without gaps.
Repeat layering cheese mixture, meat, sauce, and noodles inside the bundt pan, finishing with a top layer of noodles. Gently fold the noodle edges over the top fillings to create a pretty “ruffled” look.
4. Bake and Finish:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover the bundt pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate so the ruffled edges become the outside border. Fill the center heart-shaped space on top with the remaining marinara sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your lovely and delicious heart-shaped lasagna bundt!
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of No-Boil?
Yes! Just be sure to boil the regular noodles according to package instructions until al dente before assembling. Let them drain and cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
Can I Make This Lasagna Bundt Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bundt pan a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Filling?
Definitely! Swap the meat for turkey or plant-based options, add veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce, or mix in different cheeses to suit your taste.
