Lasagna Casserole
This easy Lasagna Casserole has all the cheesy, pasta and ground beef comfort food flavors we all love in a traditional lasagna, but it’s easier to throw together on a busy weeknight. It is perfect for a delicious, quick and cozy family dinner that can also feed a crowd at potlucks and family get togethers!
For more quick dinner casseroles try my baked ziti with meatballs, cheeseburger macaroni, sloppy Joe casserole and easy lasagna roll ups.
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How to make lasagna with different noodles?
It’s easy to customize this lasagna with different pasta noodles, cheese and meat.
This recipe for lasagna casserole also answers the old question about whether a lasagna is a casserole? It is a casserole!!
One of the best things about making this Italian casserole is that it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together in the fridge overnight.
Making it an excellent meal to make ahead of time or great for kids to come home after school and reheat a dish of lasagna in the microwave as it reheats very well.
Serve it with my cheese stuffed garlic bread, my favorite green salad, garden house salad, and my amazing fattoush salad!
Ingredients
- Rotino Pasta – 12 ounces
- Ground Beef – 1 pound ground beef
- Onion – medium onion diced
- Garlic Cloves – 3 garlic cloves minced
- Marinara Sauce – 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce, I used a store bought sauce but you can also use a homemade sauce
- Diced Tomatoes – 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- Milk
- Italian Seasoning
- Ricotta Cheese – 15 ounces
- Mozzarella Cheese – 3 cups shredded and divided for layering and on top or any of the best cheese for melting
- Parmesan Cheese – grated
- Eggs – 2 large eggs
- Salt & Black Pepper
Optional Parsley Garnish: chopped fresh parsley for garnish on top
Substitutions and Variations: To make this lasagna using different noodles Penne, ziti, or any other short pasta can be used. Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken or Italian sausage. Use cottage cheese or mascarpone for different flavors and textures in place of ricotta. Different cheeses like provolone, fontina or a blend of Italian cheeses will also work well. You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
How to Make Lasagna Casserole
STEP ONE – Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
STEP TWO – Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, but undercook by 1 minute.
STEP THREE – In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
STEP FOUR – Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, milk and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
STEP FIVE – In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
STEP SIX – In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, then all of the ricotta mixture.
STEP SEVEN – Top with remaining pasta and meat sauce.
STEP EIGHT – Sprinkle remaining 2 cups mozzarella over the top.
STEP NINE – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
STEP TEN – Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving tip:
Cut with a sharp knife first to cut through the layers neatly then using a spatula lift out each portion for easier serving onto a plate.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta casserole in advance and refrigerate it covered with foil until you’re ready to bake.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Lasagna Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until hot.
To Freeze: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
PrintLasagna Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This easy Lasagna Casserole has all the cheesy, pasta and ground beef comfort food flavors we all love in a traditional lasagna, but it’s easier to throw together on a busy weeknight. It is perfect for a delicious, quick and cozy family dinner that can also feed a crowd at potlucks and family get togethers!
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
15 ounce ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, but undercook by 1 minute.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, milk and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, then all of the ricotta mixture.
- Top with remaining pasta and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining 2 cups mozzarella over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Notes
Storage and reheating instructions:
Lasagna Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until hot.
To Freeze: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Love your recipes and tell everyone! ♥️😄
Mary, thank you SO much! Your comment means so much to me!! 🙂 Sandra
This is a really great meal to make for company! I will be putting this recipe in my rotation.
Thanks for sharing your feedback!