Ah, lasagna casserole! There’s just something so comforting about this hearty dish, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese all nestled together in a rich marinara sauce. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and simmering sauce. My cousins and I could hardly wait for it to come out of the oven! It became a staple at our Sunday dinners, where everyone would gather around the table, laughter and stories echoing as we dug into generous portions. Trust me, once you serve this lasagna casserole, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, too!

Ingredients for Lasagna Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this lasagna casserole a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 lasagna noodles: Use regular or no-boil noodles for convenience.
• 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean beef for a balanced flavor without excess grease.
• 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion will add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 24 ounces marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade—both work beautifully!
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: This adds creaminess and a lovely texture.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness on top.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this will elevate the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all those flavors.

How to Prepare Lasagna Casserole

Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of preparing this lasagna casserole! It’s easier than you might think, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to ensuring your casserole cooks evenly.
2. Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using regular noodles, aim for al dente; they’ll soften more in the oven.
3. While the noodles are cooking, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors together.
5. Now, it’s layering time! In a large baking dish, start with a layer of noodles, followed by the ricotta cheese, a generous amount of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of mozzarella and a good sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps the flavors meld even more!
7. After 25 minutes, uncover the dish and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in. This helps everything set just right!

And there you have it! A beautiful, bubbling lasagna casserole ready to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This lasagna casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for filling up hungry bellies!
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and familiar ingredients, even beginner cooks will find success.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into those cheesy layers—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and bake it later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Customizable: Feel free to sneak in your favorite veggies or switch up the meat for endless variations!

Tips for Success

To make your lasagna casserole truly shine, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the seasoning—salt and pepper are your best friends, so taste as you go! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For an extra creamy texture, mix a splash of heavy cream into the ricotta. When layering, make sure to press down gently to eliminate any air pockets; this will help everything meld together beautifully. Lastly, let your casserole rest for that 10 minutes post-baking—it’s worth the wait for the perfect slice!

Variations of Lasagna Casserole

One of the best things about this lasagna casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. For a twist, try using ground turkey or even Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile. If you want to sneak in some veggies, layers of spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are fantastic options. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or even a mix of cream cheese and herbs for a creamy surprise. And don’t forget, you can switch up the cheeses too—mix in some provolone or gouda for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of this delicious lasagna casserole. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what’s going into your meal:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Enjoy your hearty serving of comfort food!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from your lasagna casserole is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners. If you want to make it last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to slice it into portions before freezing for easy thawing!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until it’s warmed through. Oops, don’t skip the foil; it helps keep the cheese from over-browning! Enjoy those delicious leftovers!

FAQ about Lasagna Casserole

Can I use different types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great, and for something a bit different, try using Italian sausage for added flavor.

How can I make this vegetarian? Simply swap the meat for your favorite veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, and use a meatless marinara sauce.

Can I prep this in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What should I serve with it? A fresh salad and some crusty bread make perfect companions to this hearty dish.

Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy reheating later on.

Lasagna casserole: 7 Comforting Layers You’ll Crave

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A hearty lasagna casserole packed with layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and marinara sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lasagna casserole