Are you craving a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to make? Look no further than this Lasagna Casserole Recipe! This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the best of lasagna and pasta bakes, making it a go-to for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again. Read on for the full recipe and some expert tips to make the perfect lasagna casserole every time!
What is Lasagna Casserole?
Lasagna casserole is essentially a deconstructed version of classic lasagna. Instead of layering lasagna noodles, sauce, and cheese in a traditional way, you combine rotini pasta with all the ingredients, and bake it in a casserole dish. This method saves time but still delivers the hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish that everyone loves. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, lasagna casserole has all the satisfying flavors of lasagna with an easy twist.
Ingredients List for Lasagna Casserole
To make this delicious lasagna casserole, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Each of these ingredients contributes to the rich, hearty, and cheesy flavor that makes this casserole such a hit. Feel free to adjust the amounts depending on your taste or the number of servings you want to prepare.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to customize this lasagna casserole to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some common substitutions and variations:
- Pasta: If you don’t have rotini pasta, you can use any short pasta like penne, ziti, or rigatoni. These will hold up well in the casserole and capture the sauce.
- Meat: Ground beef is a classic choice, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can substitute with plant-based ground "meat" or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Cheese: Not a fan of cottage cheese? Swap it for ricotta or even cream cheese for a creamier texture. If you love cheese, add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
- Pasta Sauce: For a homemade touch, you can make your own marinara sauce. You can also use a flavored pasta sauce, like roasted garlic or basil, to amp up the taste.
- Seasoning: In addition to salt and pepper, try adding some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect lasagna casserole:

- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet with the browned beef, add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta Sauce: Pour the jar of pasta sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Stir to combine, and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Layer the Casserole: In the greased casserole dish, spread half of the cooked pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture. Spoon dollops of cottage cheese evenly over the top. Add another layer of the remaining pasta and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to Cook Lasagna Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a lasagna casserole is simple, but here’s a more detailed guide to ensure you nail it every time:
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta in salted water until al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly while baking in the oven.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef: While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks to create small, even crumbles. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- Step 3: Combine with Sauce: After adding the diced onion to the skillet, let it soften before stirring in the pasta sauce. Simmering the sauce for a few minutes allows the flavors to blend.
- Step 4: Layering: The layering is crucial for the perfect lasagna casserole. Start with pasta, add meat sauce, and then cottage cheese. Finish with a layer of cheese on top for that golden, gooey finish.
- Step 5: Baking: Baking the casserole covered ensures that it heats evenly without drying out. Removing the foil in the last few minutes allows the cheese to brown and get bubbly, which adds a delicious texture to the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making lasagna casserole:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Remember to cook your pasta al dente, or it will become mushy after baking.
- Not Draining the Beef: Be sure to drain excess fat from the beef, or your casserole may become too greasy.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your beef and sauce! Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
- Forgetting to Cover: Always cover the casserole with foil initially to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can make your lasagna casserole even more appetizing. Here are a few ideas:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top of the baked casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your lasagna casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Serve Lasagna Casserole
Once baked, lasagna casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out portions, ensuring that each serving includes pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese. For a family-style meal, place the casserole dish directly on the table and let everyone dig in.
Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Casserole
If you want to elevate the presentation, try the following tips:
- Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more personalized touch.
- Layered Look: When plating, be mindful of showing the beautiful layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Lasagna Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few more expert tips for making the best lasagna casserole:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezing: Lasagna casserole freezes well. Freeze individual portions for a quick meal later.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make lasagna casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze lasagna casserole?
A: Absolutely! After assembling, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
A: Ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese in lasagna casserole.
Conclusion
Lasagna casserole is a quick and easy twist on the classic lasagna, offering all the rich, comforting flavors with less hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole will hit the spot every time. Be sure to try it out and share this recipe with your friends and family!
PrintLasagna Casserole Recipe
This Lasagna Casserole recipe is a perfect family dinner with layers of rotini pasta, savory ground beef, and melty mozzarella cheese. The keyword to highlight is "Lasagna Casserole Recipe" for an easy, comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 24-ounce jar of pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked rotini, followed by the beef mixture. Add dollops of cottage cheese and top with half the mozzarella.
- Add the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the beef mixture and mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add garlic or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (⅙ of dish)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
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