Lazy Lasagna Casserole: Effortless Comfort Food Done Right
This Lazy Lasagna Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with significantly less effort. Featuring pasta, ground beef, marinara, and a creamy ricotta mixture, it's a perfect weeknight meal.
Equipment
- large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
- 13- x 9-inch baking dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces campanelle (or another short pasta like penne, ziti, or medium shells)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 25 ounces marinara sauce (I like Mezzetta's Marinara)
- ¼ cup water
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
Garnish (Optional)
- fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta one minute shy of package directions, then drain well and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and ½ teaspoon garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain grease. Season with Italian Seasoning, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then stir in marinara and water to simmer. Add cooked pasta, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta and egg until smooth, then stir in half of the shredded mozzarella, remaining garlic, half of the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and remaining pepper.
- Layer half of the beef/pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top, then cover with the remaining beef/pasta mixture.
Baking & Serving
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes longer until bubbly and melted. Garnish with fresh basil and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to serve. You can substitute other short pasta types like penne or ziti for campanelle.