The Ultimate Lasagna Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Crafting a delightful lasagna casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Layers of rich flavors blend perfectly in this classic dish.

Pasta sheets nestle between savory meat and creamy cheese, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Hearty ingredients combine in a way that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through traditional Italian-inspired comfort food.

Melted cheese and robust seasonings dance across your palate with incredible depth.

What Makes Lasagna Casserole a Classic Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add vegetables, or adjust spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for picky eaters or adventurous cooks.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single baking dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal everyone will love, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a protein-packed, cheesy casserole that appeals to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a delightful shared experience.

Ingredients for Lasagna Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole.

• Rotini: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and adds texture to the dish.

• Cottage Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheeses that add richness and a melty topping to the casserole.

• Pasta Sauce: A flavorful base that combines with beef to create a savory mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Onion: A aromatic vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.

How to Prepare Lasagna Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C) and let it heat up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini pasta following the package directions.

Once cooked, drain the water completely.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Salt
• Pepper

In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat.

Stir and break up the meat until it’s fully cooked.

Sprinkle salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour pasta sauce into the beef mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Cooked rotini
• Beef sauce mixture
• Cottage cheese

In a large baking dish, create layers starting with the rotini, then add the beef sauce, and top with cottage cheese.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turns a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve the hot, cheesy lasagna casserole immediately.

Pro Tips for Lasagna Casserole

• Slightly undercook rotini by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushy results when baking.
• Create even layers by spreading ingredients gently and ensuring full coverage in the baking dish.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting easier.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier alternatives.
• Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to beef mixture for extra flavor complexity.

Delicious Variations of Lasagna Casserole

• Gluten-Free Lasagna Casserole: Replace rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Power Casserole: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless meal.
• Low-Carb Comfort Dish: Use cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Incorporate spinach, feta cheese, and add oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Lasagna Casserole

• Comforting Companion Sides: Fresh garden salad with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette perfectly complements the rich lasagna casserole.
• Hearty Bread Pairing: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread slices are ideal for soaking up extra sauce and adding delightful texture.
• Veggie Balance Boost: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provide a nutritious and colorful side that cuts through the casserole's heaviness.
• Wine Elegance Match: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot enhances the robust flavors of the beef and cheese dish.

Best Storage Tips for Lasagna Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Lasagna casserole maintains quality for 2-3 months when frozen. Label with date for tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for cheese to crisp.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have rotini pasta?

You can easily swap rotini with other pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or shells. Choose a similar-sized pasta that will hold the sauce well.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian ground meat. Ensure you season the substitute well to maintain flavor.

• Is cottage cheese necessary for this recipe?

While cottage cheese adds creaminess, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for similar texture and richness.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, use a spicy pasta sauce, or include diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Lasagna Casserole delivers classic Italian comfort with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Cheesy, savory goodness awaits you in this crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) rotini pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cottage cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 24-ounce (680 grams) jar of pasta sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) while preparing pasta according to package directions, then thoroughly drain.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in skillet over medium heat until meat browns completely and loses pink color, seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Pour pasta sauce into beef mixture, allowing flavors to meld and simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Create initial layer in baking dish with cooked rotini, spreading evenly across bottom of pan.
5. Distribute beef sauce mixture uniformly over pasta, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Spread cottage cheese as next distinct layer across casserole surface.
7. Generously cover entire dish with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating complete cheese topping.
8. Transfer casserole to preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops golden brown edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling period before serving to help casserole set and enhance flavor integration.
10. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and bubbling.

Notes

• Pick whole wheat rotini for added fiber and nutrition, making the dish more wholesome and hearty.
• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, lower-fat version that’s diet-friendly.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more depth of flavor in the casserole.
• Opt for low-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content without compromising the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg