Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lazy Lasagna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. With all the rich, cheesy flavors of traditional lasagna but none of the layering hassle, this one-pan dish is hearty, satisfying, and easy to throw together. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a freezer-friendly meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or Italian sausagetomato sauce or marinara sauceuncooked pasta (like rotini or penne)ricotta cheesemozzarella cheeseparmesan cheeseeggsgarlic powderonion powderItalian seasoningsaltpepperolive oilfresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in the tomato or marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with eggs and half of the parmesan cheese.

In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half the meat sauce, and spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta.

Top with shredded mozzarella and the rest of the parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Swap the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version.

Add chopped spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.

Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Try it with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.

Mix a little red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Do I have to cook the pasta first?

Yes, cooking it until just under al dente ensures it doesn’t get too soft during baking.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Absolutely, any good-quality marinara or pasta sauce works great.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, both baked and unbaked versions freeze well.

Can I leave out the eggs?

You can, but they help bind the ricotta layer. It may be a bit looser without them.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the meat or substitute with lentils or plant-based meat.

Do I need to cover the casserole when baking?

Yes, at first. This keeps the cheese from over-browning. Uncover near the end for a golden top.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold up well and trap the sauce.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Definitely! Fresh basil or oregano adds a nice touch on top.

What sides go well with this?

Serve it with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Lazy Lasagna Casserole brings all the classic lasagna goodness in a fraction of the time. It’s a hearty, cheesy, family-approved dish that makes dinner time easy and delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry group, this casserole is bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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