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It’s easy to think that lasagna is complicated and time consuming. However, it doesn’t have to be with this easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe. This Easy Lasagna bake is so quick and simple to make.

Lasagna Casserole in a bowl with a bite on a fork
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We love easy casseroles around here. They are the perfect solution for dinner on a busy night. This Quick and Easy Lasagna Casserole is packed with meat, cheese and tons of flavor!

I always make one for dinner and another for the freezer. It doesn’t take any extra time and I have dinner for another night without any extra work. If you love freezer meals, then you may love these recipes – 55 Easy Crock Pot Freezer Meals, 35 Easy Freezer Meals and 10 Easy Crockpot Freezer Meals in an Hour!

Why This Recipe Works

My family loves when I make a traditional lasagna recipe. But this lasagna casserole is just an easy twist on a classic recipe. The flavors are still the same and the ingredients are simple.

The layers of this casserole come together quickly and makes the perfect meal to prepare for a friend or neighbor.

Ingredients

ingredients for casserole: ground beef, cheese, seasoning, egg, pasta, tomatoes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Change Meat – Use ground turkey instead of the beef. Italian Sausage or Shredded Cook chicken is also a great option.
  • No Meat – Omit the meat all together. The cheese and tomato mixture is so amazing that you can really just us that.
  • Cottage Cheese – Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in the cheese mixture.
  • Vegetables – Sneak in veggies! You can add carrots, spinach, mushrooms and zucchini to the tomato mixture.
  • Sauce – Feel free to make lazy lasagna casserole and use a jar of pasta sauce, marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce.

How to Make Lasagna Casserole

  • Step 1 – Brown the ground beef and the onion until no longer pink in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to boil the noodles for the casserole while the meat is cooking.
Meat sauce in a large cast iron skillet

Step 2 – Mix together the crushed tomatoes, seasonings and the ground beef you just cooked.

Mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese and egg mixed together in a bowl with a spatula

Step 3 – Then mix the rest of the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and the egg together.

Mixed in cooked rotini pasta in the ricotta cheese mixture in a bowl with a spatula

Step 4 – Finally, stir in the cooked pasta and make sure it is coated really well.

Spread the rotini pasta in a red casserole baking dish

Step 5 – Put half of the pasta in the bottom of the baking pan. We used a 9×13 and it was perfect.

Meat sauce topped with pasta in the red casserole dish

Step 6 – Next, add half of the meat sauce to the dish. Keep repeating until all of the pasta and meat is layered.

Shredded cheese top the meat sauce in the red casserole dish

Step 7 – Now, grab the cheese you set aside earlier. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.

  • Step 8 – Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. Oven times vary but you just want the cheese melted and the casserole bubbly.
  • Step 9 – Once it comes out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 15 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh basil or fresh parsley for added flavor.

Expert Tips

  • Baking Dish – This recipe is perfect in a 9×13 casserole dish. The ones with the lid are really handy if you are taking this dish somewhere. I use the disposable pans for the one I put in the freezer.
  • Ground Beef – Cook and drain the ground beef before mixing with the sauce ingredients. You can easily prepare this ahead of time to save time. Learn how to How to Freeze Ground beef AFTER you brown it.
  • Pasta – Boil the pasta in a large pot of water before making casserole. Cook the pasta according to the package or al dente.
  • Baking Time – Baking time will vary depending on your oven and how golden brown you want the top to be. If you have problems with the top burning before the center is heated, you may need to cover with aluminum foil.
baking dish with lasagna casserole with a serving on a wooden spoon

Serving Suggestions

We like to serve this with Garlic Bread Cheese Sticks. This ensures you get every last drop of the sauce.

Do you know how to freeze garlic bread? I do this all the time and it makes it super easy to take out on a busy night to enjoy.

Throw in a simple garden salad or steam broccoli in the microwave for a quick side dish! Talk about a delicious and easy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Pasta is Best for Lasagna Casserole?

We used rotini but any type will be great. You can use what is in the pantry! Other great ideas include: elbow, bowtie and penne. You can even break up lasagna noodles.

Can I Make Lasagna Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, this lasagna casserole can be prepared ahead of time, cover and place in the fridge until ready to bake.

How to Store Leftover Lasagna Casserole

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They leftovers will last about 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Leftovers

Depending on how much you have leftover, you can reheat in the microwave or in the oven in a baking dish.

Can I Freeze Lasagna Casserole?

Make the casserole just like normal. However, don’t bake it. Freeze before baking and use a freezer friendly pan or a disposable pan. When you are ready to eat, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350 for 1 hour covered. This is a great recipe to double or make one for a friend.

lasagna casserole in white bowl

More Easy Lasagna Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Lasagna Casserole Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Lasagna Casserole Recipe

4.89 from 17 votes
This EASY lasagna casserole recipe is cheesy and oh so yummy! Quick and easy lasagna casserole is the best dinner for busy nights. You will love lasagna style pasta bake. Freeze this easy lasagna bake for a quick and easy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12
Cuisine Italian
Course Main Course
Calories 356

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 pan with a non-stick cooking spray.
  • Brown ground beef and onion until cooked. While the meat is cooking, boil the noodles according to package directions until al dente.
  • Mix crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in with the meat mixture..
  • Reserve half of mozzarella cheese aside to sprinkle on the top of the casserole.
  • Combine the rest of the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs together in a large bowl.
  • Then stir in the cooked pasta. Coat the pasta completely with the cheese mixture.
  • Place half of the pasta on the bottom of the 9X13 pan. Then place half of the meat mixture on top of the pasta.
  • Repeat the process until all of the pasta and meat mixture is layered in the pan. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes (until bubbly). Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This casserole freezes great!  To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed in a foil 9X13 pan.  Cover and freeze.  Then when you are ready to bake, thaw it out overnight in the refrigerate and then bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.  Enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 356kcal, Carbohydrates 35g, Protein 19g, Fat 15g, Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 65mg, Sodium 352mg, Potassium 435mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 382IU, Vitamin C 7mg, Calcium 183mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.89 from 17 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Pam says:

    5 stars
    Tastes delicious, so easy to make.

  2. Carrie says:

    Yes, cottage cheese instead of the ricotta would work great in this recipe.

  3. Brandy says:

    Could cottage cheese be used instead of ricotta?