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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for this hearty casserole.
- Boil the pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the meat mixture, infusing an aromatic depth. Carefully drain any accumulated fat to ensure a lighter dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the mixed creation into a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a tempting layer of comfort.
- Shower the top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, creating a golden, cheesy crown.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- 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