Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Craving lasagna but don’t have the time or patience to layer all those noodles? The Lasagna Casserole is your perfect solution! This dish has all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but is much easier to assemble, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or large family gatherings. Imagine juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta all combined into a hearty casserole that’s sure to please. Read on to learn how to make this simple, delicious casserole that will become a family favorite in no time!

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What Is Lasagna Casserole?

A Lasagna Casserole is a deconstructed version of classic lasagna. Instead of carefully layering flat lasagna noodles with sauce and cheese, you simply mix cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce and cheese, then bake it all together in a casserole dish. The result? All the familiar, comforting flavors of lasagna without the hassle! This dish is a great way to serve a crowd, meal-prep for the week, or enjoy an Italian-inspired dinner with less effort than traditional lasagna requires.

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Ingredients List for Lasagna Casserole

Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need to make the perfect Lasagna Casserole. You probably have many of these ingredients in your pantry already!

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Any short pasta will do. Rotini, penne, or rigatoni are great choices that hold sauce well.
• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base for the sauce. You can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a twist.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory profile.
• Tomato Sauce: Use a good-quality tomato sauce or marinara. Homemade sauce will make the dish even better.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Offers creaminess to the casserole, just like in traditional lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that signature cheesy pull when you scoop into the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and sharpness.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the casserole its Italian flair.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the onions and garlic.

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Ingredients List (Serves 6-8)

Here’s the full list of ingredients with their quantities for a casserole that serves 6-8 people:

• 12 oz of pasta (rotini, penne, or rigatoni)
• 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 24 oz of tomato sauce or marinara
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities depending on how many people you’re serving or how cheesy you want the casserole to be!

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Substitutions and Variations

The Lasagna Casserole recipe is flexible, and you can easily adapt it based on what ingredients you have or your dietary preferences. Here are a few common substitutions and variations you can try:

Pasta:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier version, substitute regular pasta with whole wheat.

Meat:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Sausage: Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for a bolder flavor. Simply remove the casing and cook like ground beef.

Cheese:

• Cottage Cheese: Some people prefer using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

Sauce:

• Vodka Sauce: For a richer, creamier sauce, swap out marinara or tomato sauce with a vodka sauce.
• Spicy Marinara: If you like a bit of heat, opt for a spicy marinara sauce or add red pepper flakes.

These variations allow you to customize the dish to fit your tastes or dietary needs without losing the essence of a classic lasagna.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this mouthwatering Lasagna Casserole step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef (or turkey/sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Mix the Ricotta Cheese: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds creaminess to the dish without being too heavy.
6. Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the ricotta cheese mixture.
7. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with a layer of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with another generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

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How to Cook Lasagna Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven early and get your pasta water boiling while prepping the other ingredients. This way, everything will be ready to go into the oven at the same time.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Meat Sauce

Take your time when browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic. This step ensures your sauce is flavorful and aromatic.

Step 3: Mix, Layer, and Bake

By combining the pasta and sauce first, then layering with cheese, you get that lasagna taste without needing to tediously layer the noodles and sauce.

Step 4: Cheese Topping

Make sure the cheese on top is well-distributed to ensure you get that perfect golden-brown finish when it comes out of the oven.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy during baking.
• Underseasoning the Sauce: Taste the meat sauce before mixing it with the pasta. If the sauce is bland, your entire casserole will lack flavor.
• Too Little Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Cheese is what makes a lasagna casserole so decadent and comforting. Be generous with the mozzarella and Parmesan.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Lasagna Casserole is baked to perfection, it's time to serve it up! Here are a few tips on how to serve and present this dish:

How to Serve Lasagna Casserole

Serve your casserole with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a light soup to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Casserole

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Individual Servings: Instead of serving family-style, portion out the casserole in individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes for a more elegant presentation.

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Lasagna Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re making it in advance, let it come to room temperature before baking.
• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Casserole before baking?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

Q: Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely. Jarred marinara or pasta sauce works great as a time-saver. Just make sure it’s a brand you love for flavor!

Q: How do I make this casserole lighter?
A: You can use ground turkey instead of beef, part-skim ricotta, and reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese to lighten the dish.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

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Conclusion

The Lasagna Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping. With a mix of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So, the next time you crave lasagna but want something quicker and easier, give this Lasagna Casserole recipe a try!

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