Are you craving comforting lasagna but don’t have hours to spare? This lazy lasagna casserole is your perfect solution! It delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This family-friendly dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offers fantastic make-ahead and freezing benefits. Simplify dinner tonight with this incredible one-pan wonder.
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Lasagna Casserole
You will quickly fall in love with this easy lasagna bake for so many reasons:
- Quick and Easy Assembly: Forget intricate layering; this recipe comes together in minutes.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Enjoy the hearty, cheesy satisfaction of classic lasagna without the fuss.
- Common Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most items on hand already.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare it in advance for hassle-free future dinners.
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Freeze an extra casserole for an effortless meal whenever you need it.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces campanelle (or another short pasta like penne, ziti, or medium shells)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 25 ounces marinara sauce (I like Mezzetta’s Marinara)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Choosing the right ingredients elevates this lasagna casserole. For the pasta, campanelle works wonderfully, but feel free to use other short shapes like penne, ziti, or medium shells for similar results. Any of these will hold the sauce beautifully in your quick lasagna dish. For the meat, lean ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or Italian sausage (mild or spicy) also make excellent substitutes. When selecting cheeses, part-skim mozzarella and ricotta keep it lighter, but full-fat options add extra richness. A quality marinara sauce is key, as it forms the flavor base; choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
Equipment
Gathering your tools makes this lasagna casserole even easier. You will need a large pot for boiling pasta and a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven for the meat sauce. A 13 x 9-inch baking dish is essential for assembling and baking the casserole. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl for the cheese mixture and a colander for draining the pasta and meat.
Instructions
Prepare your kitchen for making this delightful lasagna casserole. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
First, cook the pasta according to package directions, but set a timer to remove it one minute shy of al dente. This ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Learning to cook pasta al dente offers various benefits, from improved texture to better digestibility. benefits of cooking pasta al dente Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
Meanwhile, begin the meat sauce. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and ½ teaspoon of the minced garlic. Cook this mixture over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. To ensure the safety of your ground beef, it’s important to cook it to the proper internal temperature as recommended by food safety guidelines. safe minimum internal temperatures for ground meat Carefully drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent a watery casserole. Return the pan to the heat.
Next, season the meat. Sprinkle the cooked beef with Italian Seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to toast slightly. Pour in the marinara sauce and ¼ cup of water. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes until it is warmed through. Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is coated with the flavorful meat sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Now, prepare the creamy ricotta layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese and the egg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining ½ teaspoon of minced garlic, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Assemble your delicious lasagna casserole. Spoon half of the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer, distributing it as evenly as possible. Top this with the remaining beef and pasta mixture, gently spreading it out with the back of a spoon to cover the creamy ricotta layer completely.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
For serving, remove the lazy lasagna from the oven. Garnish it with fresh basil, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the cheese and sauce to set, making for cleaner portions.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For a perfect lasagna casserole, don’t overcook the pasta initially; al dente (or slightly under) is key for the best texture after baking. Always drain the ground beef thoroughly to avoid a greasy or watery finished dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go; personal preference is important for your quick lasagna. To prevent a dry casserole, ensure you cover it tightly with foil during the initial baking stage. If your casserole seems watery, check your meat draining and ensure your pasta isn’t overcooked. Achieve a golden-brown top by using the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching it carefully to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile lasagna casserole is perfect for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your hearty lasagna casserole with classic sides. Serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the rich sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Complement the meal with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Freezer Meal Option
This lazy lasagna is excellent for meal prepping. To make ahead, assemble the unbaked casserole in your baking dish. Cover it tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be chilled.
Nutrition Information
This lasagna casserole offers a good source of protein and carbohydrates. A single serving provides approximately 450-550 calories, 30-40g protein, and 35-45g carbohydrates, depending on specific ingredient choices.
| Nutrition Fact | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on average ingredient values and serving sizes. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
What kind of short pasta works best?
Any sturdy short pasta like penne, ziti, rigatoni, or medium shells will work well. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully within this easy lasagna bake.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, definitely! Sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Stir them in when you add the marinara sauce.
How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
Your quick lasagna is fully cooked when the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and lightly golden. An internal temperature of 165°F indicates it’s hot throughout.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
You can adapt this recipe! Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives to fit dietary needs for your lasagna casserole.
Conclusion
This lazy lasagna casserole proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. With its straightforward steps and comforting taste, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to satisfy your lasagna cravings without all the fuss. We encourage you to try this incredibly convenient and delicious recipe. Please share your feedback or any creative variations you discover; we love hearing from you!