Published: · Updated: by Mindy Boyd
Pin840
Share10
Share434
Tweet
Jump to Recipe
Our Quick and Easy Homemade Lasagna Casserole is perfect for busy nights because it easier to make than a traditional lasagna recipe. There is no need to carefully cook lasagna noodles and take the time to layer them.
This is also known as lazy lasagna casserole because you just have to cook the meat and pasta, mix the cheeses together and then mix it all up. Pour it into a casserole dish, bake it and voila!, a dish that has the same taste as lasagna, but much faster and easier.
This dish is nostalgic for me. It reminds me of the holidays because my sister-in-law used to make it for dinner on the Friday after Thanksgiving. She would invite everyone over to spend time with all of our relatives that were in from out-of-town.
Table of contents
- Why you’ll love this easy lasagna casserole recipe
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- How to make this easy lasagna recipe
- Variations
- Make ahead options
- Other pasta casserole dishes
- Quick and Easy Homemade Lasagna Casserole Recipe ↓
- More popular pasta dishes
Why you’ll love this easy lasagna casserole recipe
- Pasta is a dish the whole family will love.
- It has all the flavors of traditional lasagna but it’s easier to make.
- There is pasta, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese!
- Making lasagna this way is just about fail proof.
- Store brand ingredients are great in this recipe and help to make it less expensive.
Ingredients
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
pasta– we like to use rotini because it is readily available. See variations section below for more options.
pasta sauce– we usually use the store brand for this since we are adding other ingredients that give it tons of flavor. Use your favorite brand.
ground beef– I like to use lean ground beef so I don’t have to drain it.
cottage cheese– traditional lasagna has ricotta cheese but we like to use cottage cheese because it is mixes up better and is less expensive.
mozzarella cheese– I use pre-shredded because it is convenient.
Parmesan cheese– if I have a block of this already on hand I will use freshly grate. If not I will buy the pre-shredded type.
onion– adds another depth of flavor to our lasagna.
egg– this helps bind our casserole together.
herbs and spices– garlic (I use the kind that comes in a jar already minced), Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.
How to make this easy lasagna recipe
- In a large pot cook the pasta al dente according to package directions for the lowest time specified.
- Brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat using a wooden spoon to break it up the meat as it browns, drain if not using extra lean ground beef.
- When the pasta is about half way done, preheat the oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl mix the cottage cheese, part of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg until combined.
- Mix the cooked pasta, ground beef, cheese mixture, and 1 cup of the pasta sauce together in a large vessel. (I use the pot I cook the pasta in so I don’t have to dirty another dish.)
- Spray a 9″ X 13″ baking dish with cooking spray and put just enough of the pasta sauce on the bottom of the dish to cover it.
- Add the pasta mixture and even it out with a spoon or spatula. Spoon the remaining pasta sauce evenly over it. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot.
- Uncover and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Any short cut pasta will work. Malfada corta pasta more closely resembles lasagna noodles but none of the grocery stores I shop at have them. You can use just about any short cut pasta like medium shells, penne, or bowtie pasta. I don’t recommend rigatoni noodles or ziti because they are larger than rotini or orzo or small shells or macaroni because it will be mushy.
- You can use bulk Italian sausage instead ground beef, or you can use half of each. Or even ground chicken or ground turkey.
- This recipe can be completely transformed into a dish that has a whole different taste by using chunks of chicken and Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the grated mozzarella cheese that comes in a can (it is found on the aisle of the grocery store with the spaghetti sauce).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna noodle casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Make ahead options
It is important to use a dish that can go from the refrigerator to the oven, and you should still let it come to room temperature for a good 30 minutes or so, if you are not going to bake it right after it is assembled.
To refrigerate and make the within next day or two– assemble, cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole. Continue with the recipe except increase the cook time by 10 or 15 minutes.
To freeze and make within a couple of months– assemble and go ahead and add the last cup of mozzarella on top. Cover tightly and freeze. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator at least overnight, or even a day or two. Bake as directed increasing the cook time so that the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Other pasta casserole dishes
- Classico Lasagna
- Skinny Baked Chicken Spaghetti
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Follow us on social media!
Bookmark this page so you can find it easily when you are ready to make this recipe!
Quick and Easy Homemade Lasagna Casserole
Mindy Boyd
Quick and easy homemade lasagna casserole recipe – savor the cheesy goodness in no time. A delicious twist on a classic favorite for effortless comfort.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Resting Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 2 tsps garlic minced
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 jar pasta sauce 24 ounces
I earn a small commission from Instacart for qualifying purchases.
Instructions
In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions for the lowest time specified.
Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat, drain if not using extra lean ground beef.
When the pasta is about half way done, preheat the oven to 350°.
In a large bowl mix the cottage cheese, 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg until combined.
Mix the pasta, ground beef, cheese mixture, and 1 cup of the pasta sauce together in a large vessel. (I use the pot I cooked the pasta in so I don't have to dirty another dish.)
Spray a 9" X 13" baking dish with cooking spray and put just enough of the pasta sauce on the bottom of the dish to cover. Add the pasta mixture and even it out with a spoon or spatula. Spoon the remaining pasta sauce evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot.
Uncover and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition facts are approximate.
See make ahead options, tips, notes, and suggestions in the post above.
Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 820mg | Potassium: 435mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 215mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was with a comment below.
More popular pasta dishes
A tasty meat free pasta option that is on the table in about 30 minutes.
Hamburger Helper Cheesy Italians Shells
A better-for-you version of the popular boxed dinner that is just as fast.
An impressive restaurant quality dish that rich an delicious.
Copycat Pasta Da Vinci
Our version is packed with flavor and alcohol free.
Pin840
Share10
Share434
Tweet
More Entrees
- Easy Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole Recipe
- Easy Lazy Baked Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe
- How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 350 F (uncovered)
- The Best Crispy Southern Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Reader Interactions
Trackbacks
[…] GET THE RECIPE […]
Reply