The Magic of Homemade Lasagna Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Tucking into a hearty lasagna casserole often brings memories of cozy family dinners.

Layers of rich pasta, melted cheese, and savory sauce create a comforting meal.

Passionate home cooks understand this dish isn’t just about ingredients – it’s about connection.

Warm and inviting, each bite tells a story of traditional cooking methods mixed with modern twists.

Delicate herbs and robust meats combine to create something truly special.

Regional Italian influences shine through in this straightforward yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll find this version simple to prepare and impossible to resist.

Dive in and savor every delicious forkful!

Lasagna Casserole Flavor Adaptations

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, using a meat substitute that provides similar texture and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, hearty flavors.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheese or dairy-free alternatives, using nutritional yeast for added cheesy flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain flavor depth.

• Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don't have fresh Italian seasoning?

Absolutely! Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning blend as a substitute.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Buy ground meat on sale, use store-brand marinara sauce, and look for discounted cheese. These simple swaps can significantly reduce the overall cost without compromising taste.

• Can I prepare this lasagna casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Lasagna Casserole Recipe Is Worth Making Again

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty lasagna casserole that delivers all the classic Italian flavors in a simplified, easier-to-prepare format for busy home cooks.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Streamlined recipe cuts traditional lasagna-making time in half, with just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal planning.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved ingredients like ground beef, sausage, and multiple cheeses that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping meats, using gluten-free pasta, or adding extra vegetables to customize the dish to your family's taste.

Everything In Lasagna Casserole

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein foundation for the casserole. Choose lean cuts for less grease and better texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic base to the dish. Fresh ingredients offer more robust flavor than pre-chopped alternatives.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates classic Italian sauce profile with tangy tomato base. Homemade or high-quality store-bought works best.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional herb blend for authentic taste. Enhances overall Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Penne, Rotini: Holds sauce well and provides substantial texture. Ridged pasta varieties work great for capturing more sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy, smooth texture to the casserole. Full-fat version provides richer taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates melty, stretchy topping with classic cheese pull. Shredded variety melts most evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty finish to the dish. Freshly grated provides more intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Adjust according to personal preference.

Lasagna Casserole Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set it aside for the delicious layering ahead.

Step 3: Sizzle Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Onion

Stir and cook until the meat is beautifully browned.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an extra minute.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning.

Let the mixture simmer and get all those flavors mingling for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix And Mingle

• Cooked pasta
• Meat sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Layer In Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crown.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top that screams “eat me!”

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the lasagna casserole sit for 5 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Dive in and enjoy your masterpiece!

Lasagna Casserole That Even Experts Recommend

• Shake off excess water thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure the sauce clings beautifully to the noodles.
• Drain the cooked ground beef and sausage completely to reduce greasiness and keep the dish lighter and more appetizing.
• Mix some mozzarella into the casserole for internal creaminess, then top with remaining cheese for a gorgeous golden crust.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and flavor melding.

Store Lasagna Casserole the Right Way

• Store leftover lasagna casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled lasagna in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated lasagna at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and ensure even heating.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to stir and distribute heat evenly, preventing cold spots.

Perfect Matches for Lasagna Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the lasagna casserole, enhancing the dish's hearty tomato and beef profile.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the casserole, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture that perfectly accompanies the creamy, cheesy casserole.
• Select Craft Beer Pairing: Opt for an amber ale or Italian-style lager to cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, offering a smooth, malty background that elevates the overall dining experience.

Lasagna Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty lasagna casserole layers rich Italian flavors between perfectly baked pasta sheets, creating a comforting meal that’ll make dinner feel like a warm embrace. Cheese, herbs, and savory sauce combine to deliver a satisfying experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for this hearty casserole.
2. Boil the pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
3. Sizzle ground beef and sausage in a spacious skillet, rendering out the robust flavors while incorporating diced onions. Continue cooking until the meat turns a rich, appetizing brown.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the meat mixture, infusing an aromatic depth. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lighter dish.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, sprinkling Italian seasoning to elevate the flavor profile. Let the sauce simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify.
6. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Gently fold the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
7. Transfer the mixed creation into a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a tempting layer of comfort.
8. Shower the top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating a golden, cheesy crown.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket, approximately 20-25 minutes.
10. Allow the lasagna casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to serve perfect portions.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Consider substituting some meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Allow extra cooling time to help the lasagna set and make cutting and serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg