Easy Lasagna Casserole with Ground Beef (30 Minutes)

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This Easy Lasagna Casserole is what I make when I want classic lasagna flavor without the layering drama.

You get tender spiral pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, creamy cottage cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella baked together in one simple dish. It’s on the table in about 35 minutes, and yes, the kids actually eat it.

Growing up in the Midwest, lasagna meant an afternoon in the kitchen. But most nights, I simply don’t have time for boiling sheets of noodles and building perfect layers.

I tested this version three different times to nail the pasta-to-sauce ratio so it stays saucy, not dry. I also ran a freezer trial and reheated leftovers the next day to make sure it holds up. After serving it to my family on more than one busy weeknight, this one officially earned permanent rotation status.

If you love easy casseroles like my Hamburger Potato Stroganoff or Taco Tater Tot Casserole, this one fits right into that same cozy, no-fuss category.

And if ground beef dinners are your safety net on busy nights, you’ll also want to check out my 30-Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Casserole

• All the flavor, none of the layering – Everything gets stirred together and baked.
• Ready in about 35 minutes – Real weeknight timing.
• Kid-approved – Familiar flavors, no surprises.
• Budget-friendly – Pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble now, bake later.

Ingredients

Recipe Notes

• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian Seasoning, you can use the individual spices: basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, or rosemary.
• Jarred Marinara: Use your favorite marinara or try my homemade pasta sauce.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

How to make this lasagna pasta bake

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bring the water to a boil. Be sure to salt the water.

Step 2: Cook the pasta for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Bake the lasagna uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the cheese has melted. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley flakes or fresh basil.

Variations

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey.
• Stir in chopped spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Add a drizzle of hot honey or chili oil before serving.
• Use ricotta in place of cottage cheese if preferred.

What to Serve With

This casserole is rich and cheesy, so I like to pair it with something crisp and fresh.

A simple green salad works, but if you want something a little more special, my Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is perfect here. The cold, crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing balance the warm pasta beautifully.

If you prefer something roasted on the side, try my Roasted Sweet Potato Slices for a slightly sweet contrast.

And if you’re planning a full comfort-food spread, you can always browse more ideas in my Casserole Recipes collection.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, penne, or shells work well. Just keep the total amount at 8 ounces.

Is cottage cheese noticeable?
We’ll you will be able to see it, but once baked, it blends into the sauce and adds creaminess without a strong flavor.

Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!

Recipe

Storage

Fridge: This lazy lasagna casserole recipe will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Freezer: The lasagna will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Make-ahead: Make a second casserole and freeze it for later. Follow the directions, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. The casserole will keep unbaked in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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