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Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Featured in Efficient Cooking Without Compromise.

This Lazy Lasagna Casserole delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna with much less effort. Using penne instead of lasagna noodles eliminates the tedious layering process while maintaining the classic flavors. Ground beef provides hearty protein, while cottage cheese adds creaminess without the work of making a béchamel sauce. The entire dish comes together in just 45 minutes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that still feels special. With 32g of protein per serving, it's a satisfying meal that combines convenience with nutrition.
Rana
Updated on Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:01:13 GMT
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Quick Lasagna Casserole

Transform your favorite Italian comfort food into an effortless weeknight meal with this delicious lazy lasagna casserole. Each forkful delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna - savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese - without the tedious layering. The combination creates a protein-packed dinner with 32 grams per serving that satisfies cravings while saving precious time.

After years of making traditional lasagna, I discovered this simplified version that quickly became our family's most requested comfort food. The way the ingredients meld together creates a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Essential Casserole Elements

  • Penne pasta: Tubular shape captures sauce perfectly
  • Lean ground beef: Creates hearty, protein-rich base
  • Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess without heaviness
  • Quality pasta sauce: Provides rich tomato flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese: Creates perfect golden topping
  • Italian seasoning: Delivers authentic flavor profile
  • Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth
  • Fresh basil: Brightens finished dish
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Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Creating Casserole Magic

Pasta Preparation
Cook slightly underdone for perfect final texture.
Meat Seasoning
Brown with aromatics for flavor development.
Cheese Integration
Blend cottage cheese thoroughly into sauce.
Pasta Mixing
Combine gently to maintain pasta integrity.
Even Distribution
Spread mixture uniformly in baking dish.
Cheese Topping
Apply mozzarella for golden, bubbling finish.
Fresh Garnishing
Add basil just before serving.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve this hearty casserole with light sides that balance its richness. Create a complete meal with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For entertaining, pair with garlic bread and a simple antipasto platter. In our home, we love serving it alongside steamed broccoli drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil.

Creative Variations

Transform this casserole with thoughtful adaptations while maintaining its comfort food appeal. Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Create a spicier version with Italian sausage instead of beef. My family's favorite variation includes a layer of sautéed spinach for added color and nutrients.

Storage Success

Keep your casserole fresh with proper storage. Transfer completely cooled leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to two months. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through for best texture.

Meal Prep Magic

Make this casserole part of your weekly rotation. Prepare a double batch and freeze one for future meals. Create individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick lunches. The versatile recipe welcomes adaptations while maintaining its time-saving appeal.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Modify this casserole to suit different dietary needs. Create a lighter version using ground turkey and reduced-fat cheeses. Make it gluten-free with alternative pasta. The adaptable nature of this recipe makes it perfect for accommodating various preferences while keeping preparation simple.

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The Best Lazy Lasagna Casserole | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Chef's Helpful Tips

Slightly undercook pasta since it continues cooking in the oven
Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier portioning
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting

After perfecting this casserole through countless family dinners, I've discovered it's more than just a shortcut - it's a delicious meal in its own right. Whether served for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this lazy lasagna casserole never fails to satisfy cravings while saving valuable time. The combination of familiar flavors and simple preparation creates something truly special that makes busy weeknights more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative with minimal flavor difference.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
→ What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a traditional alternative, or Greek yogurt for a tangier option with similar protein content.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
→ What pasta shapes work best?
Besides penne, rotini, fusilli, or farfalle (bow ties) work well to hold the sauce.

Easy Lasagna Casserole

A simplified version of traditional lasagna using penne pasta, ground beef, and cottage cheese for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Quick Kitchen

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 lb lean ground beef
04 1 large yellow onion, chopped
05 1 tbsp garlic powder
06 2 tsp Italian seasoning
07 Salt to taste
08 Black pepper to taste

→ Cheese and Sauce

09 1 cup cottage cheese
10 24 oz jar of pasta sauce
11 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Garnish

12 Basil, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Boil penne pasta according to instructions, just 1 minute less than instructed, to keep it al dante. Drain it.

Step 02

Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the olive oil, ground beef, onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Stir all of the ingredients together, breaking the meat apart. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the beef has browned.

Step 03

Add in the cottage cheese and stir it in well.

Step 04

Pour over the pasta sauce and mix well.

Step 05

Stir in the cooked pasta.

Step 06

Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and level it out. Top up with mozzarella cheese.

Step 07

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on the edges.

Step 08

Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

Notes

  1. High in protein (32g per serving)
  2. Can be made ahead
  3. Cook pasta slightly underdone for best results

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 449
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g