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Easy Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish, using a spatula to spread and level it evenly.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-lazy-lasagna-casserole-recipe/