Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole: Unlayered Comfort

Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole : Unlayered Comfort

Fancy a lasagna recipe with ricotta without all the faff? do you love lasagna bake but hate layering? then this lasagna casserole is screaming your name.

This easy lasagna casserole takes all the amazing flavours of a traditional lasagna – that rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella – and turns it into a super easy bake.

It's comfort food at its finest.

Lazy Lasagna Recipe : Proper Hearty

This ain't your average, poncey, restaurant lasagna, mind you. this is a deconstructed lasagna rooted in italian-american tradition, think of those italian casserole recipes handed down through generations.

We're talking proper family comfort food. it's a super straightforward, easy meat lasagna recipe that even your nan could whip up.

It's dead easy, ready in under an hour, and serves 6-8 hungry bellies.

Why You'll Love This Easy Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta Simple Ground Beef

Honestly? it's just so easy. forget fiddling about with layers and trying to make everything line up perfectly. it’s a great weeknight lasagna dinner option, perfect when you need something quick but satisfying.

Plus, all that cheese and meat sauce? it's pure soul food. it’s definitely a hug in a dish. a portion is packed with protein from the ground beef and dairy, so it’ll keep you going for hours.

What You'll Need: The Quick Lasagna Casserole Ingredients

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks, yeah? Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t panic, it’s mostly store cupboard stuff.

Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole: Unlayered Comfort Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 pound lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese, full-fat or part-skim
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with parmasean cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:500 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole : Gear Up!

Alright, so you're itching to make this ridiculously easy lasagna casserole ? ace! let's talk gear and grub. it's simpler than you think, i promise.

Honestly, if i can do it, anyone can. i'm proper useless in the kitchen usually. before you start with this easy lasagna casserole you should take a look around the kitchen and make sure that you have everything that you need.

Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff

Okay, so, the backbone of this Lazy Lasagna Recipe .

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (that's 15 ml for you metric folks). Go for decent quality stuff. You know, the kind you wouldn't mind dipping bread in.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 450g ). Don't skimp on quality here, mates. Lean beef works well, but a little fat gives it flavour.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup ). The smell of it frying is everything .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred minced garlic is fine, but fresh is boss.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can ( 794g ). San Marzano? If you're feeling posh.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can ( 425g ). Any old brand will do.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ). Don't be shy with this one!
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). It adds that lovely Italian aroma.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) ( 1.25ml ). For a bit of a kick. I like a tiny bit.
• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Chicken broth works in a pinch.
• Lasagna Noodles: 1 pound ( 450g ), broken into 2-inch bits. Trust me on this one.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces ( 425g ), full-fat or part-skim. Don't get the watery stuff!
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. It binds the ricotta together.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup ( 30g ), grated. Plus more for topping. The good stuff, yeah?
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup ( 15g ), chopped (optional). Makes it look all fancy.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups ( 225g ), shredded. The melty stuff.

Seasoning Sorted: Getting That Flavour Punch

Right, let's amp up the flavour of this Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe .

• Essentials: Oregano and basil are must-haves. They're the heart of Italian cooking.
• Flavour Enhancers: Red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat. Garlic is non-negotiable, you know.
• Quick Swaps: If you’re out of beef broth, chicken broth is fine. No parsley? No worries.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy gadgets for this Quick Lasagna Casserole , I promise.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the meat sauce. It needs to be big enough for all that yumminess.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Obvious, innit?
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: ( 23x33cm ) For the casserole itself.
• Mixing Bowls: To throw everything together.

Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy equipment, just the basics for this Weeknight Lasagna Dinner . If you don't have a 9x13 dish, two smaller ones will do. See? Easy peasy.

So, there you have it. that's all the gear you need. now, next step, let’s get this show on the road! i used this when i wanted to make a lasagna recipe with ricotta for a dinner with friends.

Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole: Unlayered Comfort

Honestly, who has time for fiddly lasagna layers during the week? not me! that's why i'm obsessed with this easy lasagna casserole .

Think of it as a hug in a dish. it’s proper hearty, like you are at your nan's house.

This lazy lasagna recipe ditches all the stress. you get all the amazing easy meat lasagna recipe flavours – rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella – but in a fraction of the time.

It’s basically a deconstructed lasagna . ready for weeknight lasagna dinner without the fuss.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss

Right, before you even think about turning on the hob, let's get organised. chop your onion. mince your garlic. seriously, this essential mise en place will save you a meltdown later.

Get all your ingredients ready. it’s like having your ducks in a row! also, make sure you have a baking dish – 9x13 inch is perfect.

Step-by-Step: No-Fuss Lasagna Bake

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Brown 1 pound ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. No one wants a greasy lasagna casserole !
3. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic . Cook until softened – about 5 minutes .
4. Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , ½ teaspoon dried basil , ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes , salt , pepper , and ½ cup beef broth . Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
5. Meanwhile, cook 1 pound lasagna noodles until al dente – about 8 minutes . Drain well.
6. Combine 15 ounces ricotta cheese , 1 large egg , ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese , ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley , salt , and pepper . Mix well. This makes an excellent lasagna recipe with ricotta simple ground beef .
7. Combine cooked noodles, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Pour into baking dish. Top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese .
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole

Want to make this quick lasagna casserole even easier ? use jarred marinara sauce instead of making your own! honestly, it’s a game changer.

Don't overcook the pasta! it'll end up mushy, and nobody wants that. plus, feel free to experiment with other italian casserole recipes .

Maybe add some spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost. this easy lasagna recipe with ricotta is completely adaptable!

So there you have it! My go-to lasagna casserole . It's the perfect weeknight lasagna dinner and a total crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!.

Recipe Notes for Your Cheesy Dream Lasagna Casserole

Right, so you're about to dive into making this easy lasagna casserole , which is basically the best decision you've made all day.

Honestly, it's proper lush. this isn't your nan's fussy layered masterpiece, this is a deconstructed lasagna , simplified for maximum flavour and minimal effort.

Fab Serving Ideas for Your Italian Casserole Recipes

Okay, presentation time! let's face it, we all eat with our eyes first. dollop a generous slice of this quick lasagna casserole onto your plate and maybe sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top, 'cause why not? for sides, think garlic bread, obviously.

I mean, it's practically law. or, if you're feeling virtuous, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely.

If you're feeling fancy, a glass of chianti wouldn't go amiss. boom! you've got yourself a proper weeknight lasagna dinner .

Storing Like a Pro: Keep That Lasagna Bake Fresh

Got leftovers? lucky you! this lasagna casserole is even better the next day, you know? just bung it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days .

To reheat, either zap it in the microwave (quick and easy!) or, for extra points, pop it back in the oven at 175° c ( 350° f) until it's piping hot.

Feeling organised? you can even freeze it! portion it out, wrap it well, and it'll keep for up to 3 months .

Make sure to defrost it completely before reheating, though.

Adaptations Galore: Your Lazy Lasagna Recipe

Want to mix things up? no problem! for a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based mince or loads of veggies like mushrooms, courgettes, and peppers.

Makes it a lasagna recipe with ricotta simple ground beef that is so delicious and rich. you could also add a pinch more red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

If you're avoiding gluten, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and bob's your uncle !

Nutrition Nutshell: Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

Alright, let's get real for a second. this easy lasagna recipe with ricotta isn't exactly a health food. but hey, everything in moderation, right? each serving packs a good punch of protein (around 30-35g – give or take), thanks to the beef and cheese.

Also, remember that calcium from the cheese is super important. just be mindful of the calories (roughly 450-500 per serving) and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

One serving of this has 30-35g protein and only 450-500 calories which keeps your diet in check.

So, there you have it. All the insider tips and tricks to make your lasagna casserole a guaranteed hit. Now get cooking, and don't forget to enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite! You got this!