Easy Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a simple, comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with much less effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses penne pasta and a delicious blend of beef, cheese, and tomato sauce for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or rigatoni/farfalle, gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil/flaxseed oil)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken, tofu, or plant-based meat)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (or white onion/shallots)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (or fresh garlic/garlic flakes)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta/plant-based cheese)
- 24 oz jar pasta sauce (Marinara or homemade tomato sauce recommended)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar/cheese blend, plant-based cheese for vegetarian)
- Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute to avoid overcooking. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Break apart the meat and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in the cottage cheese and pasta sauce, mixing thoroughly in the skillet.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix everything well.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped basil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the dish.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or a plant-based cheese to make it vegetarian.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, farfalle, or any sturdy pasta shape will work. Just make sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with tofu, plant-based meat, or extra vegetables and use plant-based cheese or ricotta instead of cottage cheese to keep it vegetarian.
PrintEasy Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe
This Easy Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a quick and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, combining layers of penne pasta, savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and a rich tomato sauce all baked together with a gooey mozzarella topping. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting casserole is simple to make yet packed with classic Italian flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 24 oz jar pasta sauce (Marinara or homemade tomato sauce)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions minus one minute to prevent overcooking. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Sauté Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Break apart the meat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes or until the beef is browned and onions are softened.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Stir cottage cheese and pasta sauce into the browned meat mixture in the skillet. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and fold it into the meat and sauce mixture until everything is well coated and mixed.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish, using a spatula to spread and level it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy lasagna casserole!
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for stronger garlic flavor.
- You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta or a plant-based cheese to make it vegetarian.
- If desired, use plant-based meat and cheese for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option.
- Make sure to cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent sogginess in the final casserole.
Keywords: lasagna casserole, easy lasagna, lazy lasagna, baked pasta, Italian casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole
