Lasagna Casserole

Name: Lasagna Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces radiatori pasta (prepared according to package directions); 1 pound ground beef (thawed); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce; 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes; ½ cup milk; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 16 ounces cottage cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; Garnish with fresh parsley

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When you're craving the comforting, hearty goodness of lasagna but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, this easy Lasagna Casserole is the perfect solution! Layers of tender pasta, rich, savory meat sauce, and a creamy three-cheese blend come together to form a simplified version of everyone's favorite comfort dish!

A plated serving of lasagna casserole with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, melted cheese, and fresh parsley, with sliced tomatoes in the background.

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This homemade pasta bake recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish to bring to potlucks. With creamy cottage cheese, a flavorful seasoned meat sauce, and ridged pasta layered together, this lasagna casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the extra prep. It's everything you love about lasagna, with a fraction of the work!

Serve this cheesy comfort food with a crisp side salad, garlic breadsticks, or simply enjoy it on its own for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make This Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Storage & Freezing Instructions
More Hearty Dinner Recipes You'll Love
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Lasagna Casserole

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep: Enjoy all the flavors of lasagna with just 20 minutes of prep time-no complicated layering required!
Family Favorite: Packed with hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and pasta, it's a hit with both kids and adults. For more hearty meat sauce dishes, try my Easy Pizza Casserole or Beefy Pasta Bake!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready for an effortless meal.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for busy weeks, this dish freezes well and reheats beautifully.
Time-Saving: Skip the hassle of traditional lasagna (even those this truly is the World's Greatest Lasagna) without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or a cozy family dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375ºF and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then gather the ingredients for this hearty and delicious pasta casserole!

Radiatori pasta has perfect ridged and ruffled edges that hold in the flavors of the meat sauce and cheese blend, ensuring flavor in every bite!
Ground beef is rich, savory, and flavorful. It adds hearty protein and texture to the casserole.
Onion and Garlic are classic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the meat sauce and the overall taste of the casserole.
Your favorite spaghetti sauce provides the perfect base for the ground beef and other ingredients of the casserole. Whether you use a homemade tomato sauce or your favorite store bought variation, it adds the perfect personalized touch to this dish.
Petite diced tomatoes add texture and some fresh tomato flavor to the casserole.
Milk helps with the creaminess of the casserole and ensures that the sauce is not too thick.
Italian seasoning is a blend of flavorful herbs and spices that elevate the taste even more.
Cottage cheese is creamy, rich, and velvety, helping to create the smooth cheesy layer of this casserole.
Mozzarella cheese is perfectly melty and gooey and creates a crispy golden-brown topping to your casserole.
Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor to the casserole.
Eggs bind the lasagna layers together and help the cheesy layer set so it's not too runny.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions & Variations

Ground Beef Substitutes: Swap ground beef for ground Italian sausage, turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Make it Extra Creamy: Replace tomato sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamier version, or mix in heavy cream for added richness.
Other Pasta Shapes: Use pasta like penne, cavatappi, elbow macaroni, or ziti for a unique twist on texture.
Cheese Variations: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture, or experiment with cheeses like provolone or gouda. You could do the same with my classic lasagna recipe.
Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and sauces to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

How to Make This Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, follow the steps below for a simplified and satisfying take on classic lasagna!

Milk being poured into a skillet containing ground beef, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, and Italian seasoning, blending flavors for the casserole sauce

Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, add onions and garlic until softened, then stir in spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, milk, and seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

A glass mixing bowl filled with cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, two cracked eggs, and seasonings, ready to be combined.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

A casserole dish partially layered with cooked radiatori pasta on one side and a savory meat sauce on the other.

Step 3: Put half of the cooked pasta in your prepared baking dish and cover it with half of the meat mixture.

Casserole dish is layered with a creamy cheese mixture, spread evenly over the pasta and meat sauce.

Step 4: Spread all of the cottage cheese mixture over top.

A creamy cheese mixture, spread evenly over the pasta and meat sauce in a casserole dish.

Step 5: Layer the remaining pasta, top with the remaining meat mixture, and finish with an even layer of mozzarella cheese.

Baked casserole topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and hearty meat sauce, ready to be enjoyed.

Step 6: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly, then let stand 10 minutes before serving.

A serving spoon lifting a portion of lasagna casserole, showing gooey, stretchy melted cheese and layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy filling.

Helpful Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow package directions to avoid mushy or undercooked pasta.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and cheese enhance flavor but aren't required.
Layer Evenly: Uniform layers ensure even cooking and balanced flavor.
Customize Layers: Add extra cheese, sauce, or veggies to suit your preferences.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids additives.
Cover While Baking: Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, uncover for the last 10 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this lasagna casserole ahead of time?

This dish is super convenient for preparing in advance and heating up throughout the week. Assemble the casserole as directed and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Any smaller pasta like penne, elbow macaroni, or fusilli works well and holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.

How do I prevent the lasagna from getting too watery?

To prevent a watery casserole, cook pasta al dente, thicken the sauce by simmering, and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before slicing.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese is a great substitute for a smoother and slightly richer texture.

What can I do to prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover the casserole with foil while baking to retain moisture and uncover it during the last 10 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.

What can I serve with lasagna casserole?

Serve it with a crisp green salad, Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole, or Air Fryer Balsamic Roasted Vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

A single serving of lasagna casserole on a white plate, featuring layered pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, with fresh parsley and tomato slices nearby.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storage Instructions

To store your leftover lasagna casserole, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or oven at 375ºF for 15-20 minutes or until it is heated through.

Freezing Instructions

This recipe is great for making ahead and freezing. For uncooked casserole, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. For cooked casserole, cool, cover, and freeze for the same duration. Thaw overnight before cooking or reheating.