Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Lazy Lasagna Casserole is your shortcut to all the hearty, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna—without the fuss of boiling noodles or carefully layering ingredients. With pasta, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey cheese, this easy casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and satisfying with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the lasagna flavor, none of the work – no need to layer or use special noodles.
• Simple ingredients – pantry staples and everyday items.
• Perfect for meal prep – stores and reheats beautifully.
• Family-friendly – kids and adults alike love it.
• Customizable – switch up the meat, sauce, or cheese to suit your taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Campanelle, penne, or ziti pasta
• Lean ground beef
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Water
• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

directions

1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Make meat sauce: In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a bit of water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Mix ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta and meat sauce. Spread the ricotta mixture on top. Add the rest of the pasta and sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil, if using.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Extra cheesy: Add provolone, fontina, or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of pasta?

This recipe is designed for short pasta like penne or campanelle, but no-boil noodles won’t work the same way.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. A chunky, well-seasoned sauce works best.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger baking dish or divide it into two smaller ones.

Is there a substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream can be used as an alternative.

How can I make it more saucy?

Add an extra half cup of marinara or a few tablespoons of tomato paste for richer flavor.

What sides go well with Lazy Lasagna Casserole?

A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and swap ricotta for a vegan version or tofu-based spread.

Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?

Yes, cover for the first 20 minutes to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely—try adding spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.

Conclusion

Lazy Lasagna Casserole gives you all the delicious flavor of lasagna with none of the layering stress. With its cheesy, saucy, pasta-packed goodness, this dish is an easy winner for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy Sunday meals. It’s quick to prep, even better the next day, and endlessly customizable—everything you want in a go-to comfort food recipe.

Print