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Cozy Lazy Lasagna Casserole

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A quick and easy lasagna casserole that combines broken noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese for a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil), broken into pieces
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. If using regular noodles, break them into about 2-inch pieces and boil in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Skip this step if using no-boil noodles.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add minced garlic to the meat and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and oregano.
  7. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked noodles with the meat sauce until noodles are well coated.
  8. Spread half of the noodle and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over it, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella.
  9. Repeat layers with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
  11. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let the casserole rest before cutting to help it set. For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat. Use gluten-free noodles or roasted eggplant slices for gluten-free adaptation. Adding fresh spinach before baking adds color and nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, quick lasagna, cheesy, tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/cozy-lazy-lasagna-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-for-beginners/