If you love lasagna but dread the long layering process, this Lazy Lasagna Casserole is about to become your best friend. It delivers all the hearty, cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna but with a fraction of the effort—and it’s ready in a snap! Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: No need to fuss with tedious layering—everything gets tossed together effortlessly.
Deliciously Comforting: Every bite is packed with rich tomato flavor, savory beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta.
Quick Prep: With just a few pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have dinner ready to bake.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s cheesy, meaty, and just plain irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Lazy Lasagna Casserole:

Pasta: Short pasta like rotini or penne holds onto the sauce beautifully and cooks quickly.
Ground Beef: Brings rich, savory flavor to the dish. You could also use ground turkey or Italian sausage.
Marinara Sauce: A jarred marinara sauce keeps it easy; choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds that classic creamy lasagna texture without the need to layer.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey, stringy perfection on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper brings everything to life.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of freshness at the end. Optional but highly recommended!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch it up:

Veggie Lover’s Version: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or swap in spicy Italian sausage for the beef.
Cheesy Overload: Add dollops of cream cheese or a sprinkle of provolone for even more melty goodness.
Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your marinara sauce.

How to Make Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese and gently stir—don’t fully mix, so you get creamy pockets of cheese throughout.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything to a baking dish. Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Dig in and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it slightly underdone so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Use Good-Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a major flavor player here, pick one you really love.
Mix Lightly: When combining ricotta with the pasta and sauce, mix gently to keep delightful creamy pockets throughout.
Cover for Softer Cheese, Uncover for a Crusty Top: If you like your cheese gooey, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes and uncover for the last 5 minutes.

How to Serve

Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out:

Garlic Bread

Serve thick, buttery slices of garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.

Simple Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, cheesy casserole beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a simple and delicious side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I make Lazy Lasagna Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute and gives a slightly lighter, tangier result.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or ziti work best because they hold onto the sauce and cheese without getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Lazy Lasagna Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor, it’s a no-brainer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy meal without the hassle. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with how easy and delicious it is!

Lazy Lasagna Casserole Recipe