Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Try out this super simple and tasty “lazy lasagna” casserole for a quick and balanced meal the entire family will enjoy!

This "lazy lasagna" casserole recipe is a simple and satisfying solution for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is perfect for fueling your family after a long day. Plus, you can make it ahead for a hassle-free dinner any night of the week. Let's get cooking!

Why you’ll love this lasagna recipe:

• Quick and easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Makes great leftovers: This lasagna can be easily reheated for a quick and convenient meal any night of the week.
• Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of savory sauce, flavorful meat, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as ground turkey, spinach, or mushrooms, to personalize this recipe.
• Kid-friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients for lazy lasagna:

• Pasta noodles - This recipe is flexible! Use any pasta noodles you have on hand. Reginetti noodles are a great option because they're like mini lasagna noodles. If you can't find them, just break regular lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. For a higher fiber option, try whole-grain pasta.

• Cheeses - For a creamy and flavorful lasagna, we recommend using a combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Use either whole milk ricotta or part-skim.
• Tomato sauce - Feel free to use your go-to pasta or marinara sauce for this recipe.
• Ground beef - Opt for lean ground beef for a lower-fat version of this recipe. Want to make this recipe even leaner? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Onion & garlic - Using fresh onion and garlic in the recipe adds so much flavor, but if you’re looking for even more of a short cut simply use garlic and onion powder instead.
• Zucchini - Add a pop of color and extra nutrients to your lasagna with zucchini. You can also use other vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
• Optional ingredients: Add a pop more of flavor by topping the lasagna off with fresh basil or parsley.

How to make lazy lasagna:

1. Cook pasta: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned.
3. Sauté vegetables: Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and zucchini to the skillet with meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
4. Combine ingredients: Add tomato sauce and water to the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine.
6. Assemble the lasagna: Transfer cooked pasta and meat sauce to a casserole dish. Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta layer and smooth it out. Top with grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Variations

• For a one-pan meal, cook the meat sauce and veggies in an oven-safe skillet, top with cheese, and bake.
• Looking for a protein boost? Use half cottage cheese and half ricotta cheese to add more protein.