Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Lasagna Casserole combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a simple, one-dish preparation. It’s a hearty, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, fry the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Step 3: Add cottage cheese to the beef and onion mixture, stirring to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour the pasta sauce over the beef mixture and stir well.
5. Step 5: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and beef mixture until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Spoon the mixture into a greased 10 x 15 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Tips & Variations

• Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
• Mix in Italian seasoning or fresh basil for enhanced flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it for about 25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, ziti, or bowtie will work well in this casserole.

Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 91 reviews

This Easy Lasagna Casserole recipe offers a deliciously simplified take on classic lasagna, combining ground beef, rotini pasta, cottage cheese, and mozzarella baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole layers familiar flavors in a quick, hassle-free dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 cups rotini pasta

Meat and Cheese

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Sauce

• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, fry the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Boil the pasta: While the beef cooks, boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix cottage cheese into the beef mixture: Once the beef and onion are cooked, stir in the cottage cheese thoroughly to combine the creamy texture with the meat.
4. Add pasta sauce: Pour the 24 ounces of pasta sauce into the beef and cottage cheese mixture and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Combine pasta and sauce mixture: Stir the cooked rotini pasta into the sauce and beef mixture, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a 10 x 15-inch casserole dish lightly, then scoop the entire pasta mixture into the dish spreading it evenly.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a bubbly cheesy finish.
8. Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 15 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, indicating it’s ready to serve.

Notes

• You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or rigatoni if desired.
• To make this dish milder, use a mild pasta sauce or add herbs like basil and oregano for extra flavor.
• For a richer taste, consider adding a layer of Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking.
• Make sure to drain the pasta well to avoid a watery casserole.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Easy lasagna casserole, ground beef casserole, rotini pasta recipe, simple baked pasta, family dinner casserole, cheesy pasta bake