This lasagna casserole recipe delivers all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna with a simplified, no-layering approach. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this lasagna casserole recipe is hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare. Loaded with pasta, ground beef, marinara, and a rich cheese blend, this lasagna casserole recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the lasagna casserole recipe:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the lasagna casserole recipe:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the final layer.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips:
For the Best lasagna casserole recipe:
- Use quality marinara: A rich, flavorful marinara sauce makes a big difference in taste.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce and holds its shape during baking.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Customize layers: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
FAQs:
- What is the difference between a casserole and lasagna? A casserole is a broad category of baked dishes made in a deep dish, often including ingredients like proteins, vegetables, and starches layered or mixed together. Lasagna is a specific type of casserole that uses flat pasta sheets, layered with meat, cheese, and sauce. The key difference lies in the use of lasagna noodles and the structured layering unique to lasagna.
- What is the correct order to layer lasagna? The correct order to layer lasagna starts with a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then add a layer of the ricotta or cottage cheese mixture, followed by meat sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat this sequence until the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of noodles, sauce, and a generous topping of shredded cheese.
- Which is better for lasagna, cottage cheese or ricotta? Both cottage cheese and ricotta work well in lasagna, but the choice depends on personal preference. Cottage cheese is lighter, lower in fat, and has a slightly tangy flavor, making it a healthier option. Ricotta, on the other hand, is creamier and richer, creating a more indulgent texture and flavor. If you prefer a smoother consistency, ricotta is the better choice, while cottage cheese provides a chunkier texture.
- What is the difference between Italian lasagna and American lasagna? Italian lasagna typically features fewer layers and uses béchamel sauce (a white sauce) in place of or alongside ricotta or cottage cheese. It often incorporates ingredients like spinach, eggs, or seafood, depending on the region in Italy. American lasagna, by contrast, is heartier and cheesier, with multiple layers of ricotta or cottage cheese, meat sauce, and shredded cheese. The flavors of American lasagna tend to be bolder and more robust.
