Cheesy Lasagna Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Craving Cheesy Lasagna Casserole ? Me too!

Fancy some proper comfort food casserole ? You know, the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? I've got you covered.

This easy lasagna casserole recipe is about to become your new best friend. It tastes amazing, and it’s unbelievably simple.

Forget slaving away for hours layering things. This deconstructed lasagna recipe gives you all that classic lasagna goodness without the faff! This version of Italian casserole dishes is like a big hug in a dish.

Why This Lasagna Casserole Rocks

Let's be honest, we all need a bit of lazy lasagna in our lives. Especially on a busy weeknight lasagna casserole .

This recipe is your answer. It's quicker than ordering a takeaway and way more satisfying. Think of it as your go-to family dinner casserole savior.

This lasagna casserole with ricotta isn’t just delicious; it's also packed with protein from the beef and cheese. And that cheesy topping? Honestly, it's pure heaven.

From Italy, With Less Effort!

Lasagna, as you probably know, has Italian roots. It’s a dish loved by families around the globe, and this baked pasta casserole version makes it even more accessible.

It's easy peasy to make, taking about 55 minutes from start to finish. This recipe will comfortably feed 6-8 hungry people.

Perfect for a family dinner .

So, what makes this casserole special? It’s the perfect balance of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. It’s quick, it's easy, and it's oh-so-good.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into what you'll need!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Kit for This Easy Lasagna Casserole

Right, so you're thinking about making this cheesy lasagna casserole . Fab! Let's have a chinwag about what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, proper comfort food casserole stuff.

I love that this recipe is pretty much a deconstructed lasagna recipe . It saves time, but tastes amazing.

Main Players in Our Weeknight Lasagna Casserole

Okay, here's the shopping list, with proper measurements and all that jazz.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use decent stuff, you know? Not the cheap and cheerful stuff.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Go for lean, less grease to deal with later, honest.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). Any onion will do, I usually grab a yellow one.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The more the merrier, I reckon!
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Get the good quality kind.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Just the standard stuff.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, 1.25 ml). If you're feeling brave!
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Full fat is the best, but part skim is fine too.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g). Proper Parmesan, not the sawdusty stuff.
• Lasagna Noodles: 9 ounces (255g). Pre-cooked ones are a godsend for this lazy lasagna recipe! Broken into bits, mind.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (225g). Loads of it!

Seasoning Notes for this Italian Casserole Dish

Spices are the key to making a proper, tasty lasagna casserole with ricotta . Oregano and basil are a must, like a proper Italian hug.

Red pepper flakes? Yeah, go for it if you like a bit of a kick. If you don't have oregano and basil, Italian seasoning will work fine.

Just use 1.5 teaspoons instead.

Equipment Needed for the Baked Pasta Casserole

Right, for kit, it's all pretty standard.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven. For browning the beef, you know?
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish. This is where the magic happens.
• Large Mixing Bowl. For the cheese, obvs.

Honestly, you probably have all of that already! If you don't have a baking dish, a casserole dish will work just as well.

Now go make this easy lasagna casserole recipe ! It will quickly turn into a family dinner casserole staple!

Cooking Method: Your Cheat Sheet to a Scrumptious Lasagna Casserole

Fancy a comfort food casserole that tastes like you slaved away all day, but actually only took an hour? Then my friend, you've come to the right place! Forget the stress of layering a traditional lasagna; we're making a cheesy lasagna casserole , and it’s so easy , even your nan could make it after one too many sherries.

This is the ultimate weeknight lasagna casserole solution! Honestly, it's a lifesaver.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, the mise en place . This fancy French term just means "get everything ready." Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and break those lasagna noodles into bite sized pieces.

Trust me, it makes life easier. Organising is key! Remember to preheat that oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Safety first, folks! Use oven gloves.

step-by-step: Easy as Pie (or Casserole!)

1. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any fat!
2. Add your onion and garlic, cook until softened. Then stir in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Simmer for 15 minutes .
3. In a separate bowl, mix together your ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. This is your lasagna casserole with ricotta element.
4. Combine the meat sauce and broken lasagna noodles. I’m telling you, this is a winning deconstructed lasagna recipe
5. Pour into a baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture, then top with mozzarella.
6. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes . Remove foil, bake for another 15 minutes till golden.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Patience, my friend!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lasagna Casserole

Want to take your lazy lasagna , I mean baked pasta casserole , to the next level? Try using fresh mozzarella for a super melty top.

Don't overcook the noodles slightly under is better, as they'll continue cooking in the oven. A common mistake is under seasoning the ricotta mixture, so give it a good taste and adjust as needed.

For future meals, you can assemble this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking perfect for busy families.

This Italian casserole dishes will become a family dinner casserole staple.

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Lazy Lasagna

Right then, let's talk shop about this absolutely banging easy lasagna casserole recipe . Honestly, this isn't just chuck-it-in-the-oven grub; it's about making life easier without scrimping on flavour. So, listen up!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro (or Not!)

Presentation, eh? Honestly, who cares when it tastes this good? But, if you fancy showing off your comfort food casserole , a sprinkle of fresh parsley never hurt anyone.

For sides, garlic bread is a must. A simple salad cuts through the richness. Pair it with a cheeky glass of red.

Sorted!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? You're in luck! This weeknight lasagna casserole tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil. It'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheating is a doddle: oven or microwave, until piping hot.

Variations: Making it Your Lasagna

Fancy a change? No worries! For a veggie version, swap the beef for mushrooms and lentils. Need it gluten-free? Easy, use gluten-free lasagna sheets.

Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Maybe you're aiming for a lasagna casserole with ricotta but fancy a change: a bit of cottage cheese works, too.

This is how you make this deconstructed lasagna recipe your own.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Bits

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But! It's packed with protein and calcium. Plus, it's a meal that brings everyone together.

Think of it as soul food that fills your belly and warms your heart. But really, its about that cheesy lasagna casserole , isn't it?

So there you have it! All the Italian casserole dishes secrets to a cracking family dinner casserole . Don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Get in the kitchen and make something amazing.

You've got this!