If you’re on the lookout for a simple yet satisfying meal, lasagna casserole is a fantastic choice. This dish layers tender noodles, ground beef, and melted cheese, creating a cozy, hearty experience everyone will love.
This casserole recipe tackles issues of tedious layering and time-consuming preparations often associated with traditional lasagna, delivering comfort food in a simplified manner.
I often find myself juggling busy weeknights, and a lasagna casserole is the answer to rushed dinners. It solves the problem of chaotic cooking by bringing all the ingredients together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the rich smell wafting through the house is sure to bring the family to the table.
What makes this recipe work so well is that it’s quick to throw together, just 10 minutes to prep, and then it’s all set to bake for about 40 minutes. The final result? A warm, cheesy casserole that feels like a big hug in a pan.
If you’re interested in another comforting dish, you might want to check out my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Texture , This lasagna casserole features tender noodles mixed into a warm, hearty blend. The layers come together without any fuss, giving you a satisfying bite every time.
- Rich Flavor Profile , Hearty ground beef paired with marinara sauce creates a robust taste. Plus, the combination of ricotta and mozzarella adds a creamy richness that’ll keep you wanting more.
- Convenient Cooking , Bake it in one dish and forget about layering! This casserole gives a full lasagna experience without the hassle of traditional preparation, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Make-Ahead Friendly , Prep this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for easy weeknight dinners. It stays fresh, allowing you to enjoy leftovers without losing flavor.
Easy Lasagna Casserole with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: —
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
An easy, low-fat lasagna casserole with ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara. Ready to bake in 40 minutes and yields 6 servings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (227 g) uncooked lasagna noodles
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for juiciness)
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 g) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (124 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (divide into 1 cup for mixing and 1 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 11/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/21/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 11/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/21/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Boil the Noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. To maintain noodle separation and prevent sticking, if necessary, lightly sprinkle 1 tablespoon olive oil on noodles after draining. Drain noodles and set aside.
- Step 3: Brown the Beef: While noodles cook, in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart while cooking for even doneness. If browning is uneven, increase heat to medium-high for the last 2 minutes to achieve a rich brown color. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 4: Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lasagna noodles, browned ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 5: Layer in the Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to promote a bubbly, golden crust.
- Step 6: Bake with Foil: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The foil traps moisture to prevent drying out while cooking.
- Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Step 8: Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice without falling apart. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely to avoid moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To prevent noodles from sticking, lightly drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over drained noodles before mixing.
- For a deeper color when browning the beef, increase heat towards the end of cooking.
- If the casserole is too watery after baking, allow it to rest for 10 minutes to let excess moisture absorb.
- For a crispier cheese crust, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking while watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through, maintaining a covered state to retain moisture.
- Serve with a mixed greens salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness. Garlic bread or gluten-free breadsticks complement the casserole well.
- The casserole can also be used creatively in wraps with gluten-free tortillas or layered in stuffed peppers. Top with additional marinara sauce, pesto, fresh basil, or grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify cooking and absorb moisture during baking to avoid dryness.
- If using gluten-free noodles, add an extra 1/4 cup marinara sauce to compensate for moisture absorption differences.
- Substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded whole-milk mozzarella, draining it well to prevent excess liquid.
- Ground Beef: 80/20 blend is recommended for flavor and moistness; avoid leaner blends to prevent dryness. Check for a bright red color and no off smells when purchasing.
- Pasta Sheets: No-boil sheets work well; prefer wider noodles to improve layering texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Select a smooth, high-quality ricotta with minimal liquid; drain excess moisture if necessary to preserve casserole structure.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose robust options without added sugars or make your own using tomato sauce and Italian herbs.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded whole-milk mozzarella provides optimal melting; fresh mozzarella is acceptable if drained thoroughly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan offers superior flavor with nutty, salty richness.
- Italian Seasoning: Use fresh or dried herb blends with vibrant aroma to intensify the flavor profile.
- Onion & Garlic (Optional Additions): Yellow onions add mild sweetness when sautéed. Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma and taste if used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approx)
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef for that juicy flavor. Leaner meat can dry out. Make sure it’s fresh with a bright red color and no off smells.
- Pasta sheets: Use no-boil pasta sheets to simplify cooking. They absorb moisture while baking, ensuring your casserole isn’t dry. Look for ones that are wider for better layering.
- Ricotta cheese: A good quality ricotta is key for creaminess! Aim for a brand that has a smooth texture without too much liquid. Drain if overly watery to keep your layers intact.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a robust marinara for rich flavor. Check labels for no added sugars. If you want a homemade twist, go for a tomato sauce mixed with Italian herbs!
- Shredded mozzarella: Shredded whole-milk mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that stretchy quality we love. Fresh mozzarella can be used too, just make sure to drain it well.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor boost. It adds a nutty profile on top that complements the richness of the meat and cheese layers.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs is essential for flavor. Use a fresh mixture if you have it, but store-bought works fine too, just check for quality herbs that smell vibrant.
- Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness and depth. Opt for yellow onions for their mildness. Sauté them to caramelize and enhance the flavor before mixing with the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible aroma and taste. Use whole cloves and mince them right before you add to the beef for maximum flavor impact.
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef for that juicy flavor. Leaner meat can dry out. Make sure it’s fresh with a bright red color and no off smells.
- Pasta sheets: Use no-boil pasta sheets to simplify cooking. They absorb moisture while baking, ensuring your casserole isn’t dry. Look for ones that are wider for better layering.
- Ricotta cheese: A good quality ricotta is key for creaminess! Aim for a brand that has a smooth texture without too much liquid. Drain if overly watery to keep your layers intact.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a robust marinara for rich flavor. Check labels for no added sugars. If you want a homemade twist, go for a tomato sauce mixed with Italian herbs!
- Shredded mozzarella: Shredded whole-milk mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that stretchy quality we love. Fresh mozzarella can be used too, just make sure to drain it well.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for the best flavor boost. It adds a nutty profile on top that complements the richness of the meat and cheese layers.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs is essential for flavor. Use a fresh mixture if you have it, but store-bought works fine too, just check for quality herbs that smell vibrant.
- Onion: A medium onion brings sweetness and depth. Opt for yellow onions for their mildness. Sauté them to caramelize and enhance the flavor before mixing with the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds incredible aroma and taste. Use whole cloves and mince them right before you add to the beef for maximum flavor impact.
Recipe Tips
- If noodles stick together, lightly sprinkle with 1 tablespoon olive oil right after draining to maintain separation before mixing into the casserole.
- When the ground beef isn’t browning evenly, increase heat to medium-high for the last 2 minutes of cooking, ensuring a rich, brown color and flavor.
- If your casserole appears too watery after baking, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let excess moisture absorb.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning while achieving that golden finish.
- When using gluten-free noodles, consider adding an extra ¼ cup marinara sauce to avoid dryness, as gluten-free varieties may absorb more moisture during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna casserole with a mixed greens salad or steamed broccoli for a light side. Add garlic bread or gluten-free breadsticks to complement the dish.
Use the lasagna casserole to make wraps with gluten-free tortillas or as a topping for baked potatoes. Add to stuffed peppers or layer in a gluten-free lasagna for variety.
Top with marinara sauce or pesto for extra flavor. You might also sprinkle fresh basil or grated parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef to add a lighter protein option for the lasagna casserole without changing cooking steps or bake time.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the meat sauce for enhanced flavor before mixing with the cheeses and noodles.
- Either store-bought marinara or homemade tomato sauce can be used for the casserole, depending on your preference for convenience or fresh taste.
- If you want to serve more, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish, increasing bake time to 45 minutes while covered and uncovered as directed.
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How to Store?
To keep your lasagna casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely to avoid moisture buildup.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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