Introduction & Inspiration
When I need a hearty, comforting dinner but don’t have the time or energy to assemble a full lasagna, this Lazy Lasagna Casserole is my hero. It’s everything I love about traditional lasagna—meaty, cheesy, saucy goodness—made much easier. This dish feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and my whole family always asks for seconds.
Nostalgic Appeal
Growing up, lasagna nights were always special occasions full of laughter and cozy vibes. This casserole brings back that same nostalgic lasagna magic but makes it totally achievable for a weeknight. Every forkful is layered with familiar, comforting flavors that remind me of home.
Homemade Focus
Making this casserole at home lets me choose quality ingredients like lean beef, fresh pasta sauce, and real mozzarella. I love using cottage cheese for a creamy filling that’s lighter than ricotta but just as satisfying. Homemade versions like this taste fresher, richer, and way more delicious than frozen or pre-made options.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this Lazy Lasagna Casserole was to balance hearty beefiness with creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce in every bite. I wanted the pasta to be perfectly al dente, the beef savory and juicy, and the mozzarella melted into golden, bubbly perfection. Every element needed to come together into one big, cozy, satisfying dish.
Ingredient Insights
Uncooked penne pasta makes a sturdy base that holds its shape after baking. Olive oil adds richness and helps brown the beef and onion beautifully. Lean ground beef keeps the casserole hearty without making it greasy. A large yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning bring all the classic lasagna flavors easily. Salt and black pepper season everything simply and perfectly. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and lightness, blending beautifully into the layers. A jar of good-quality pasta sauce provides tangy, rich tomato flavor without extra work. Mozzarella cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible. Chopped basil adds a fresh, aromatic finish that makes everything pop.
Essential Equipment
A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta just until al dente. A sturdy skillet helps brown the beef evenly without drying it out. A 9×13-inch casserole dish fits the entire mixture perfectly for even baking.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
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
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
For Garnish:
Chopped basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, but stop one minute early to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir the cottage cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined. Pour in the pasta sauce and mix thoroughly to coat everything. Fold in the cooked, drained pasta and stir until well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. If you like a deeper golden crust, broil for 2 minutes at the end but watch carefully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Troubleshooting
If the pasta seems too dry, you can stir in an extra half-cup of pasta sauce before baking. If the beef mixture is greasy, drain excess fat after browning the meat. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Tips and Variations
Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor twist. Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a more traditional lasagna texture. Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Lazy Lasagna Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad on the side. Pair it with garlic bread or low-carb breadsticks for soaking up the extra sauce. A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda complements the hearty, cheesy flavors perfectly.
Nutritional Information
This casserole is rich in protein from the beef and cheese, making it a satisfying main dish. Fresh basil adds a touch of antioxidants and fresh flavor. Using cottage cheese lightens the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
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Lazy Lasagna Casserole
Description
This Lazy Lasagna Casserole is the perfect solution for busy nights. Packed with pasta, beef, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, it’s a simple, hearty meal that delivers all the lasagna flavor without the work!
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
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
For Garnish:
Chopped basil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, but stop one minute early to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is soft.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir the cottage cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined. Pour in the pasta sauce and mix thoroughly to coat everything. Fold in the cooked, drained pasta and stir until well incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. If you like a deeper golden crust, broil for 2 minutes at the end but watch carefully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my easy and hearty Lazy Lasagna Casserole recipe, perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners. We browned beef with onion and seasonings, stirred in pasta and sauce, topped with cheese, and baked it to bubbly, golden perfection. Can you make it ahead? Yes — assemble it fully and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Can you freeze it? Absolutely — freeze baked or unbaked for future quick dinners. This cozy, cheesy casserole delivers all the comfort of lasagna with a fraction of the effort and time!