🍝 Lasagna in a Jar
A Blessing on Those Bad Days!
📌 In This Article
🍝 The Lasagna Story
"Canned this lasagna three years ago and was just so thankful when we ate it for supper last night. Tasted so good and I was in too much pain to cook dinner. Having meals ready to go is such a blessing on those bad days."
A Blessing on Bad Days
🍝"Having meals ready to go is such a blessing on those bad days."
Tasted so good — 3 years later!
I made this lasagna three years ago and stuck it in the pantry. Last night, I was in too much pain to cook dinner. I opened a jar, heated it up, and it tasted SO good. It was like a hug in a jar.
💬 The reality: "Having meals ready to go is such a blessing on those bad days."
If you've ever had a day where standing at the stove felt impossible, you know the value of having a meal ready to go. This lasagna in a jar is comfort food, convenience, and love all in one.
📦 Ingredients
🍝 For the Lasagna
- 🥩 2 lb hamburger
- 🧅 1/2 cup diced onion – Optional
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌿 1 tsp pepper
- 🧄 1 tsp minced garlic
- 🌿 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 🍅 2 cups pasta sauce
- 🍜 6-8 lasagna noodles – Uncooked, broke to 4-5 inches
- 🧀 Ricotta cheese
- 🧀 Parmesan cheese
- 🧀 Mozzarella cheese
💡 Pro tip: "Use wide-mouth jars — they're much easier to layer!"
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your water bath canner, jars, and lids.
- Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
💡 Pro tip: "Always start with hot, sterilized jars for a good seal!"
Step 2 – Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the hamburger with onion, salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Drain the grease.
- Return to the pot and mix in pasta sauce.
- Do not return to heat.
💡 Pro tip: "Make sure the meat is fully browned before adding the sauce."
Step 3 – Prep the Noodles
- Break the lasagna noodles into 4-5 inch pieces.
- They will soften during canning.
💡 Pro tip: "Use uncooked noodles — they'll cook during the canning process!"
Step 4 – Spray Jars
- Spray jars with non-stick spray.
- This helps the lasagna release easily.
💡 Pro tip: "Don't skip this step — it makes serving so much easier!"
Step 5 – Layer the Lasagna
- Layer in this order:
- Meat mixture
- Lasagna noodles
- Dabs of ricotta cheese
- Parmesan and mozzarella
- Repeat layers until 1 inch headspace remains.
💡 Pro tip: "Don't overpack — the noodles expand as they cook!"
Step 6 – Wipe Rims and Seal
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
💡 Pro tip: "Wipe those rims clean! Any residue can prevent a good seal."
Step 7 – Water Bath Process
- Process in a boiling water bath for 3 hours.
- Make sure jars are fully submerged.
- Add more boiling water if needed.
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
This recipe requires a 3-hour water bath processing time. Do NOT reduce the time — it's essential for safety.
If using a pressure canner, follow USDA guidelines for meat and pasta.
Step 8 – Cool and Store
- Remove jars and cool on a dishtowel.
- Check seals after 24 hours.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 years.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
Step 9 – Enjoy!
- Open a jar and heat in a skillet or microwave.
- Top with extra cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade lasagna!
💡 Pro tip: "Tasted so good — 3 years later!"
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 3 years
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Use within 1 week
- 🔥 Reheat: Skillet or microwave
💡 Pro tip: "Having meals ready to go is such a blessing on those bad days."
💡 Pro Tips for Lasagna in a Jar
- 🍝 Use wide-mouth jars: They're much easier to layer.
- 🥩 Brown the meat well: It adds so much flavor.
- 🍜 Don't cook noodles first: They cook during canning.
- 🧀 Don't skimp on cheese: It makes it so good.
- 🫙 Spray jars with non-stick spray: Makes serving easier.
- ⏱️ Process for the full 3 hours: It's essential for safety.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and contents on every jar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I pressure can this instead?
Yes, follow USDA guidelines for meat and pasta.
❓ Why do I need to process for 3 hours?
It ensures the noodles and meat are fully cooked and safe.
❓ Can I use different meat?
Yes, ground turkey or Italian sausage work great.
❓ How long does this last?
Up to 3 years when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I use regular jars?
Wide-mouth jars are recommended for easier layering.
❓ Do I need to cook the noodles first?
No — they cook during the 3-hour processing.
❓ Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms or spinach are great additions.
❓ Is this good for busy nights?
Yes! It's the perfect ready-to-go meal.
❓ Did it really taste good after 3 years?
Yes! It tasted SO good.
❓ Will I make this again?
Absolutely — it's a blessing on bad days!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ LASAGNA IN A JAR ║
║ A Blessing on Those Bad Days! ║
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YIELD: 6-7 pint jars | TIME: ~3 hours | PROCESS: 3 hours
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INGREDIENTS
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- 2 lb hamburger
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 6-8 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broke to 4-5 inches)
- Ricotta, Parmesan, Mozzarella cheese
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INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Prepare water bath canner, jars, and lids.
2. Brown hamburger with onion, salt, pepper, garlic,
and Italian seasoning. Drain.
3. Mix in pasta sauce. Do not return to heat.
4. Spray jars with non-stick spray.
5. Layer: meat mixture, noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella.
Repeat until 1 inch headspace.
6. Wipe rims, add lids and rings.
7. Process in water bath for 3 hours.
8. Cool, check seals, and store.
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A BLESSING! 🙏
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"Canned this lasagna three years ago and was just so
thankful when we ate it for supper last night.
Tasted so good and I was in too much pain to cook
dinner. Having meals ready to go is such a blessing
on those bad days." ❤️
© CanningRebels — Lasagna in a Jar
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