Quick Answer
To make lasagna for 50 people, you will need between 8 to 10 full size lasagna pans, depending on how big you make each pan. The general rule of thumb is that one full size lasagna pan, which is about 9 x 13 inches, will feed between 5-8 people. So for 50 people total, you can do the math:
– If feeding 5 people per pan, you will need 10 full size pans (50 people / 5 people per pan = 10 pans)
– If feeding 8 people per pan, you will need 6-7 full size pans (50 people / 8 people per pan = 6.25 pans, round up to 7)
So the safe bet is to make lasagna with between 8-10 full size disposable aluminum lasagna pans to have enough food for a party of 50 guests.
Lasagna Ingredients Needed
To make lasagna for 50 people, here is an estimate of how much of each ingredient you will need:
Noodles
– Dry lasagna noodles: About 20 packages (16 oz size), or 10 pounds total
– Cooked noodles: 60-80 full sheets needed
Meat Sauce
– Ground beef: 15-20 pounds
– Italian sausage: 5-10 pounds (optional)
– Large jars of pasta sauce: 10-15 jars (24 oz size), or about 10-15 quarts total
Cheese
– Ricotta cheese: 12-15 pounds
– Mozzarella cheese: 8-10 pounds, shredded
– Parmesan cheese: 1-2 cups, grated
Other
– Eggs: 30-40 eggs for ricotta mixture
– Fresh herbs: 1-2 bunches each of basil, parsley, oregano (optional garnish)
– Lasagna pans: 8-10 full size aluminum disposable pans (9 x 13 inches)
So in total for a lasagna dinner for 50, you will need:
– 10-15 pounds ground beef
– 5-10 pounds Italian sausage (optional)
– 60-80 lasagna noodles
– 10-15 jars pasta sauce
– 12-15 pounds ricotta
– 8-10 pounds mozzarella
– 1-2 cups parmesan
– 30-40 eggs
– 1-2 bunches fresh herbs (optional)
– 8-10 aluminum disposable lasagna pans
Shop accordingly to have all your ingredients and supplies on hand!
How Much Lasagna to Make Per Pan
When baking lasagna for a crowd in large pans, you’ll want to fill each pan with a hearty amount of lasagna. Figure each full size 9 x 13 inch disposable aluminum lasagna pan should hold:
– 9-12 lasagna noodles
– 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) ricotta cheese mixture
– 32-48 ounces (4-6 cups) meat sauce
– 12-16 ounces (3-4 cups) shredded mozzarella
– 1/4-1/2 cup parmesan cheese
This will fill each pan with roughly 3 generous layers of lasagna. Assembly is easy:
1. Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on bottom of pan
2. Place 3-4 noodles to cover bottom
3. Spread half the ricotta mixture over noodles
4. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella
5. Spread 1 cup meat sauce over mozzarella
6. Repeat layers twice more, ending with mozzarella and parmesan top layer.
Follow this for 8-10 pans total. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
How to Layer Lasagna in Pans
Lasagna is layered, so you’ll want to assemble the ingredient layers in order in each pan:
1. **Meat sauce:** Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce over the bottom of a foil lasagna pan. This helps prevent noodles from sticking.
2. **Noodles:** Place 3-4 lasagna noodles lengthwise over sauce to cover bottom of pan. Break noodles as needed to fit neatly in single layer.
3. **Ricotta mixture:** Drop dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, using about 2-3 cups per layer. Spread evenly over noodles.
4. **Mozzarella:** Sprinkle 1-1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella over ricotta mixture.
5. **Meat sauce:** Spoon roughly 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over mozzarella layer.
6. **Repeat layers:** Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, mozzarella and meat sauce. Make 2-3 total layers.
7. **Final layer:** Top with last layer of mozzarella and meat sauce. Sprinkle parmesan over very top.
8. **Cover:** Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until bubbly. Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
How to Bake the Lasagna
Baking the lasagna pans is easy. Here are tips:
– **Temperature:** Preheat oven to 375°F. This high heat helps quickly bake multiple pans.
– **Prep pans:** Use foil disposable aluminum lasagna pans for easy baking. Spray or grease pans if needed to prevent sticking.
– **Cover pans:** Cover each filled pan tightly with foil to seal in moisture and prevent bubbling over.
– **Bake time:** Bake covered pans for 45-60 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Check after 45 minutes.
– **Rest time:** Remove from oven and let lasagna pans rest 10 minutes before uncovering and cutting into squares. This helps firm up the layers and prevents a messy lasagna.
– **Reheat leftovers:** Cover and refrigerate leftover lasagna up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or oven.
How to Serve the Lasagna
Serving lasagna for a crowd can take some coordination. Here are serving tips:
– Set up a long table or tables for buffet-style service so guests can serve themselves.
– Keep hot lasagna pans warm in chafing dishes on low heat if possible.
– Provide tongs, spatulas, oven mitts and gloves for safe serving.
– Place cut pieces of lasagna on plates, rather than scooping servings out of the pan.
– Offer red solo cups for easy grab-and-go eating if guests will be mingling.
– Have extra parmesan, red pepper flakes and Italian parsley garnish for customizing.
– Set up a beverage station with sodas, juices, water and ice.
– Offer garlic bread, green salad and fresh fruit as accompaniments.
– For dessert, cookies, brownies and mini cupcakes please crowds.
With full pans and happy guests, your lasagna dinner for 50 will be a delicious hit! Now enjoy the party!
Lasagna Pan Size Guide
Here is a guide to lasagna pan sizes when cooking for a crowd:
| Pan Size | Dimensions | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Full Size Disposable Pan | 9 x 13 inches | 8-12 people |
| Half Size Disposable Pan | 9 x 7 inches | 4-6 people |
| Small Loaf Pan | 8.5 x 4.5 inches | 2-4 people |
| Jumbo Pan | 15 x 10 inches | 20-24 people |
As you can see, the full size aluminum disposable lasagna pan that is about 9 x 13 inches is ideal for feeding 8-12 people. This makes it easy to calculate how many pans you need. Generally allow 1 full pan for every 8-12 guests for parties and large gatherings.
Lasagna Cooking Time Guide
Lasagna can take some time to cook through. Here is an approximate baking time guide:
| Pan Size | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| Small Loaf Pan | 30-45 minutes |
| Half Size Disposable Pan | 45-55 minutes |
| Full Size Disposable Pan | 50-60 minutes |
| Jumbo Pan | 60-75 minutes |
The general rule of thumb is to bake lasagna at 375°F covered with foil until it is bubbly and cooked through, checking often toward the end of the estimated baking time range. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated.
Conclusion
Planning lasagna for a bigger crowd is easy when you break it down into pans. For a party of 50 people, you’ll want around 8-10 full size aluminum disposable lasagna pans. Fill them each 3 layers high with noodles, ricotta, sauce and mozzarella. Bake covered at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes. Let lasagna pans rest before slicing and serving. With the right quantities and some big pans, you’ll have perfect portions for all your guests to enjoy!