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15-Minute Easy Lasagna Casserole: Cheesy Comfort Magic

easy lasagna casserole
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A hearty and easy lasagna casserole with layers of ground beef, ricotta, and melted cheese for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper (red/green), diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (or pasta sauce)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 large egg (optional, to bind ricotta)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp chopped fresh)

Instructions

  1. Cook the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and bell pepper; cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Simmer: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
  3. Cook noodles (if needed): Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions until just tender, then drain. (If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.)
  4. Mix ricotta layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta with egg (optional) and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until used up, finishing with mozzarella + Parmesan on top. Sprinkle parsley over the cheese.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and lightly golden.
  7. Rest & serve: Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Oven-ready noodles save prep time.
  • Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
  • For extra richness, add a layer of provolone cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy lasagna casserole, beef lasagna recipe, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner casserole, make ahead lasagna, comfort food dinner

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/easy-lasagna-casserole-recipe-cheesy-comfort/