Name: Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked penne pasta; 1 cup cottage cheese; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 24 oz jar pasta sauce (Marinara or homemade tomato sauce); Chopped fresh basil

Introduction

Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a quick and satisfying twist on the classic lasagna, combining hearty pasta, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce in one easy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles.

A rectangular baked lasagna in a white ceramic dish, showing several layers including a deep red tomato meat sauce at the bottom and middle, creamy white sauce mixed with melted mozzarella cheese melted evenly on top in a golden yellow and white texture, scattered with fresh green basil leaves across the surface, all set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked penne pasta (or rigatoni, farfalle, gluten-free pasta)

1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil, flaxseed oil)

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, tofu, 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 cheese, 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)

Chopped basil, 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 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, or until browned.

Step 4: Stir in cottage cheese and pasta sauce, mixing thoroughly.

Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and combine all ingredients well.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.

Step 9: Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for extra gooeyness.

For a vegetarian version, replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives and use plant-based cheese.

Drain the pasta thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking in a freezer-safe dish; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to baking time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?

Yes, penne works well because it holds sauce nicely, but you can also use rigatoni, farfalle, or your favorite pasta shapes. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the pasta is al dente before baking.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta before adding to the casserole?

Yes, cooking the pasta slightly less than the package instructions ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the casserole without becoming mushy. Drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.