Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This easy lasagna casserole combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple, no-fuss dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, pasta, and melty mozzarella, it’s perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, fry the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: While the beef cooks, boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Step 3: Stir the cottage cheese into the cooked beef and onion mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour the pasta sauce over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and beef mixture, stirring gently to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Scoop the entire mixture into a greased 10 x 15 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the beef mixture before combining.
• Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef sauce for added nutrition.
• Use penne or ziti pasta if you don’t have rotini on hand.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and cheese is bubbly again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Is it possible to freeze this lasagna casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Easy Lasagna Casserole Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 723 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Lasagna Casserole is a comforting and straightforward twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring rotini pasta, a savory ground beef and onion mix combined with creamy cottage cheese, all layered with rich pasta sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, this dish comes together quickly and bakes into a cheesy, hearty casserole everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastas and Cheeses

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large sweet onion, diced

Others

• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, fry the ground beef along with the diced sweet onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook 2 cups of rotini pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
3. Combine Cottage Cheese with Meat Mixture: Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to the cooked ground beef and onion mixture, stirring thoroughly to evenly incorporate the cheese.
4. Add Pasta Sauce: Pour 24 ounces of pasta sauce over the cottage cheese and meat mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Mix in Cooked Pasta: Stir the cooked rotini pasta into the meat, cheese, and sauce mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Assemble in Casserole Dish: Grease a 10 x 15-inch casserole dish, then scoop the entire pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the meat while cooking.
• Using low-fat cottage cheese can reduce the total fat content in the dish.
• Be sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a good texture in the casserole.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: easy lasagna casserole, ground beef casserole, baked pasta dish, quick lasagna recipe, comfort food