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Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

This Lazy Lasagna Casserole offers all the comfort and flavor of traditional lasagna with a quicker, easier preparation. Using penne pasta, ground beef, cottage cheese, and a robust pasta sauce, this baked casserole is topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, delivering a hearty, delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Produce

  • 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
  • Basil (chopped, for garnish)

Other

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 24 oz jar of pasta sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, cooking it for one minute less than recommended to keep it al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, ground beef, chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
  3. Add Cottage Cheese: Mix the cottage cheese into the browned beef mixture thoroughly, allowing the creamy texture to blend well with the sautéed ingredients.
  4. Add Sauce: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and stir everything to combine all flavors evenly.
  5. Combine with Pasta: Stir the cooked, drained penne pasta into the beef and sauce mixture until everything is well coated and mixed together.
  6. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
  7. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, delicious Lazy Lasagna Casserole.

Notes

  • To keep the pasta from becoming mushy, make sure to cook it one minute less than package instructions suggest.
  • Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta if preferred for a creamier texture.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content; ground turkey is an alternative for a lighter version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
  • Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking enhances flavor.
  • You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lazy lasagna, easy lasagna casserole, quick lasagna, baked pasta dish, ground beef casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/lazy-lasagna-casserole-recipe/