How to Make Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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This easy dinner recipe is a true weeknight hero!

Imagine layers of tender spiral pasta, savory ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, all baked to bubbling perfection.

But what truly sets this recipe apart? It’s been kid-tested and approved, making it incredibly kid-friendly! So you can trust that it’s delicious and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters in your family.

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If you love lasagna’s layers of flavors, you’ll be happy that this easy recipe ticks all the same boxes yet is much simpler to prepare.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Or meal prep over the weekend, and you’ll be all set during the week. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.

Why you’ll love this lasagna bake

Easy: Traditional lasagna can be a bit of a chore to prepare. This lasagna bake makes it easy for you to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the hassle.

Modifiable: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add some veggies.

Meal prep friendly: Assemble the lasagna casserole and store the unbaked casserole in the fridge for a day or two, or bake it and store it for a few days. Either way, you’ll be ready for a quick and easy meal on a busy night.

Ingredients for lazy lasagna casserole

• Spiral Pasta: I like using spiral shaped pasta as it adds an element of fun to the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Ground beef makes this recipe hearty and filling. Choose lean ground beef if you prefer to have less fat. 
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian Seasoning, you can use the individual spices: basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, or rosemary.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of spice. Use more or less based on your taste preference.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic imparts the best flavor, but garlic powder is a good substitute.
• Jarred Marinara: Use your favorite marinara, pasta sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
• Cottage cheese: You can use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese; both are good options.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the best.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A layer of mozzarella cheese tops off the cheesy goodness. Part-skim mozzarella cheese or full fat are both good. 

How to make this lasagna pasta bake

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 2: While the pasta water is heating, brown ground beef over medium heat in a large skillet. Drain any excess grease and add the beef back to the pan. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, then add the marinara sauce and stir well.

Step 3: Mix the cottage cheese and pasta into the ground beef mixture.

Step 4: Add the mixture to a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with parmesan cheese, followed by mozzarella cheese.

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

FAQs

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.

I love giving this recipe to new parents because they can freeze it and pull it out when they need an easy dinner.

Tips for making this easy lasagna recipe

• Do not overcook the pasta. Remember it will cook further while it bakes.
• You can add tomato sauce and dried herbs if you don’t have marinara sauce or pasta sauce. 
• Don’t forget to coat your casserole dish with cooking spray for easier clean up.
• Grate your mozzarella cheese instead of buying pre-shredded. I find it melts so much better.

Lasagna casserole variations

• Swap the ground beef for another type of meat, such as a vegetarian beef substitute, or leave it out altogether and make a vegetarian lasagna casserole.
• Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese, or stir in some cream cheese for a richer casserole.
• Swap the parmesan for Gran Padano, asiago, or Romano.
• Change the pasta shape and use rigatoni noodles, medium shells, penne pasta, or even broken lasagna noodles. Any short pasta noodle will work.  
• Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef.

More casserole recipes

Baked Ravioli Casserole

Walking Taco Bake

Potato Stroganoff

Simply Potatoes Breakfast Casserole

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