Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Craving lasagna but don’t have the time to layer everything just right? A Lasagna Casserole is the perfect solution! It’s got all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna—savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—but it’s much easier to put together. With this recipe, you can have the ultimate comfort food ready to feed your family without all the fuss of classic lasagna preparation. Dive into this delicious, cheesy, and hearty casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, instructions, and pro tips for this easy and delicious dish.

this Recipe

What is Lasagna Casserole?

Lasagna Casserole is essentially a deconstructed lasagna, where instead of carefully layering the ingredients, everything is mixed together in one hearty casserole dish. It combines ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella for that rich, cheesy goodness lasagna is known for. With far less assembly time than traditional lasagna, this casserole offers the same classic taste with a fraction of the effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients List for Lasagna Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lasagna Casserole:

• 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mixture of both)
• 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 oz of pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta work great)
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This Lasagna Casserole recipe is easily customizable to fit your preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations to consider:

• Meat Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef or sausage. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground "meat" or skip the meat entirely and load up on sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Pasta Options: While most short pasta shapes work well in this casserole, you can also use broken-up lasagna noodles for a more traditional lasagna texture.
• Cheese Variations: For extra richness, add cream cheese or swap some of the ricotta for cottage cheese. You can also use different types of cheese like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Sauce Customization: Use a spicy marinara or add extra garlic and herbs to your sauce for additional flavor. If you're short on time, a jarred marinara sauce works perfectly, but feel free to make your own if you prefer homemade.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this tasty Lasagna Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes to keep it slightly underdone. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4. Season and Add Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until well-mixed and creamy. This mixture will give the casserole its signature creamy texture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: In the greased casserole dish, begin layering. First, mix the cooked pasta with about half of the meat sauce in a large bowl or directly in the baking dish. Spread the pasta and meat mixture in an even layer. Next, dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently spread it out. Then, add the remaining meat sauce on top.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can also add a bit more Parmesan if you like.
8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Casserole:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Undercooking your pasta by a couple of minutes ensures it doesn’t become mushy while baking in the casserole. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Make sure to season the meat sauce and cheese mixture properly. Bland layers will result in a less flavorful casserole.
• Not Draining the Meat: If you're using ground beef or sausage, draining the excess fat after browning is important to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Overloading with Sauce: While it may be tempting to add more sauce for extra flavor, too much sauce can make your casserole watery. Stick to the recipe measurements for the best result.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Lasagna Casserole can elevate this simple dish into a show-stopping meal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Serve in the Casserole Dish: A lasagna casserole looks beautiful served straight from the oven in the baking dish. You can place the casserole dish on a large wooden cutting board for a rustic look.
• Individual Portions: For a more refined presentation, scoop out individual portions onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Add a Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the richness of the casserole. You can also serve with garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.

How to Serve Lasagna Casserole

Lasagna Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or breadsticks on the side to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance out the hearty flavors of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Casserole

Elevate the presentation of your casserole with these simple yet effective ideas:

• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic and homestyle presentation, bake and serve your lasagna casserole in a cast-iron skillet.
• Individual Ramekins: For a dinner party or special occasion, divide the casserole mixture into individual ramekins and bake them separately. It adds a touch of elegance to this comfort dish.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: A final sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh touch and makes the dish more visually appealing.

Lasagna Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can easily be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time.
• Leftovers: Store leftover lasagna casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch the next day.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables to the meat sauce, like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Casserole?
A: Yes! Lasagna Casserole freezes very well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-friendly version. Just make sure to slightly undercook the gluten-free pasta, as it tends to be more delicate and can become mushy if overcooked.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: To reheat leftovers, you can use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes. For the oven, cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

This Lasagna Casserole is the perfect comfort food that delivers all the classic lasagna flavors with minimal effort. It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of rich flavors that the whole family will love. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a special occasion, this dish is sure to please. With easy-to-find ingredients, customizable options, and plenty of leftovers, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the simple, delicious satisfaction of this Lasagna Casserole!

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