There’s just something about a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, don’t you think? This lasagna casserole is my ultimate comfort food; it’s layered with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made this dish for a gathering of friends; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! What makes this casserole so special is how easy it is to prepare while still delivering that classic lasagna flavor. Plus, it’s great for feeding a crowd! With each slice, you’ll get all those delicious layers that make lasagna a family favorite, but in a fun, cozy casserole form. Trust me, your loved ones will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef (cooked and drained)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (1 container)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 1 cup for layering and 1 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, you’ll want to cook those lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this means boiling them in salted water for about 8-10 minutes until they’re al dente. Make sure to stir them occasionally so they don’t stick together. Once cooked, drain them and set aside—maybe even toss them with a little olive oil to keep them from clumping!
Cooking the Meat Sauce
Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want it browned nicely, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain the fat. This step is crucial, as it keeps your casserole from getting greasy. Next, pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This brings all those lovely flavors together!
Layering the Casserole
In a baking dish, start with a generous layer of your meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then scoop half of your ricotta mixture onto the noodles, spreading it gently. Sprinkle a third of your mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering process again—noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—then finish with the remaining meat sauce and top it all off with the rest of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Baking Instructions
Cover your baking dish with foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with a bit of cooking spray) and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. I like to peek at it about halfway through to make sure everything’s cooking evenly!
Serving Tips
Once you pull that glorious casserole out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to slice. Serve it with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal—yum!
FAQ Section
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Absolutely! Just layer them directly into the casserole without pre-cooking. You may need to add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook through.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? No worries! You can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this lasagna casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Definitely! Kids love the cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce. You can even sneak in some veggies if you’d like!
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and satisfying, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
- Layers of flavor with every delicious bite, thanks to the rich meat sauce and creamy cheeses.
- Versatile—great for customizing with your favorite ingredients, like veggies or different cheeses.
- Ideal for leftovers; it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full!
Tips for Success
To make your lasagna casserole truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on seasoning—the right balance of salt and pepper can elevate the flavors. If you want a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to your meat sauce! Also, consider using a mix of cheeses; a blend of mozzarella and provolone gives a nice flavor twist. If you like a bit of texture, try adding some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta mixture.
When baking, if you notice the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the rest cooks through. And if you have leftovers, try adding a layer of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before reheating—this adds a pop of freshness that’s just delightful!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with this lasagna casserole! If you’re looking for a different protein, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. You can even go vegetarian by layering in some sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead of meat—trust me, it’s just as satisfying!
If you want to experiment with cheeses, feel free to blend in some ricotta with feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Some folks love adding a layer of provolone or gouda for that melty goodness—yum! And don’t forget about the sauce; you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy white lasagna or even a pesto sauce for a fresh herby kick. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds lead the way!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of this delicious lasagna casserole:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your lasagna casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but I recommend the oven for that perfect bubbly cheese texture!
Imprimer
Lasagna Casserole: 5 Layers of Comforting Goodness
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A hearty lasagna casserole layered with pasta, cheese, and meat sauce.
Ingrédients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat; drain the fat.
- Add marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread some meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then spread half the ricotta mixture and a third of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers, ending with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Use vegetables for a healthier version.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 700mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: lasagna casserole
