Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty and satisfying nature of a Lazy Lasagna Casserole. This dish takes all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna but simplifies the process, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this Lazy Lasagna Casserole recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a mouthwatering result. By using simple ingredients and a few clever shortcuts, you can enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna without the time-consuming assembly.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a deliciously comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to prepare this Lazy Lasagna Casserole.
Ingredients
To make Lazy Lasagna Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 pound of ground beef
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 jar of marinara sauce
5. 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese
6. 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
7. 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
8. 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
9. 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
10. 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
11. Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your Lazy Lasagna Casserole:
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by half of the cooked ground beef mixture. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of marinara sauce and cheese on top.
3. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Variations
While this Lazy Lasagna Casserole recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences:
– Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef
– Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat mixture
– Use a combination of different cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or asiago
– Experiment with different seasonings like basil, thyme, or fennel seeds for a unique flavor profile
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Tips
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Lazy Lasagna Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
– Cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking
– Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set
– Freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on
– Serve the casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a fantastic dish that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-make casserole format. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a comforting and filling meal that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Lazy Lasagna Casserole.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?
A: Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, but feel free to use homemade sauce if preferred.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
Lazy Lasagna Casserole
A simplified version of traditional lasagna, this Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish made with layers of marinara sauce, cheese, ground beef, and lasagna noodles.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar marinara sauce
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1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the ground beef in a skillet with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer marinara sauce, cooked lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, ground beef, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
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Repeat layers, ending with marinara sauce and cheese on top. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
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Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
