Cozy Lasagna Casserole Recipe: A Homey Twist on Italian Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering lasagna casserole sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Layers of rich flavors dance between delicate pasta sheets and robust sauce.

Cheese melts into golden ribbons that promise comfort and warmth.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a loving embrace.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected components elevate this classic meal beyond ordinary expectations.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become memorable moments with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible comfort food.

How to Store Lasagna Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled lasagna casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover lasagna with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this lasagna casserole recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Do I need to cook the pasta completely before assembling?

No, you should cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.

• Is it okay to use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor profile.

Lasagna Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic lasagna into a simple, hearty casserole that satisfies everyone's comfort food cravings.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Cuts down traditional lasagna preparation time with streamlined layering and minimal ingredients, perfect for busy families.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously packed with three types of cheese (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) creating rich, melty goodness in every bite.
• One-Dish Wonder: Eliminates complicated steps by combining pasta and meat sauce directly, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Lasagna Casserole

• Pasta: The foundation of the casserole that provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds robust flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add layers of richness, melty texture, and savory depth to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices and seasonings that boost the overall flavor profile of the lasagna casserole.

How to Prepare Lasagna Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for some delicious action.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta

Boil the pasta following package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside, keeping those noodles ready for layering.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

In a large skillet, sizzle ground beef over medium heat.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and mingle for 5-7 minutes, developing deep, mouthwatering flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Meat

Gently mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 6: First Layer Foundation

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread half the pasta-meat mixture across the bottom, creating a solid base.

Step 7: Creamy Ricotta Layer

Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the first pasta layer, adding a smooth, rich texture.

Step 8: Complete The Layers

Top the ricotta with remaining pasta-meat mixture, creating a complete, hearty base.

Step 9: Cheese Topping Finale

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top, promising a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a gorgeous, bubbling crust.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Dig in and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Lasagna Casserole

• Pat cooked noodles dry to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce grease and create a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Mix ricotta with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add extra flavor and brightness.
• Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring even melting.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper flavor development.

Flavor Variations of Lasagna Casserole

• Vegetarian Lasagna Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, keeping the same seasonings and layering technique for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta, swap marinara for low-carb tomato sauce, and increase cheese quantities for a satisfying low-carb meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace ricotta with cashew cream, use dairy-free mozzarella alternative, and maintain original recipe's flavor profile with herbs and spices.

Serving Ideas for Lasagna Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty lasagna casserole as the star of a comforting family meal with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
• Fresh Garden Companion: Pair with a light cucumber tomato salad dressed in olive oil and herbs to balance the rich, cheesy pasta flavors.
• Weeknight Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks or large gatherings, this dish easily feeds 6-8 hungry people and travels well in a covered dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the tomato and beef notes with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for an elevated dining experience.

Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Italian lasagna casserole offers layers of rich, hearty flavors that transport diners straight to Italy. Melted cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for baking.
2. Boil pasta until tender, following package guidelines, then drain completely.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, eliminating excess grease.
4. Enhance meat with marinara sauce and aromatic seasonings, allowing flavors to meld during a 5-7 minute simmer.
5. Thoroughly combine cooked pasta with the richly seasoned meat sauce in a spacious mixing bowl.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating the first substantial layer with half the pasta-meat mixture.
7. Spread ricotta cheese evenly across the initial layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
8. Top with remaining pasta and meat mixture, creating a hearty second layer.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the entire casserole surface.
10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains incredible flavor.
• Enhance protein content by adding a layer of sautéed spinach or zucchini between pasta layers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Prevent soggy lasagna by draining pasta thoroughly and letting meat sauce simmer to reduce excess liquid before mixing with noodles.
• Make ahead by assembling casserole completely, covering with foil, and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 481 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg