Name: Lazy Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce; 12 oz uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie); 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lazy Lasagna takes everything you love about traditional lasagna and simplifies it into an easy, family-friendly dish that comes together in one baking pan. There’s no need to fuss with noodles or layering—just mix, bake, and serve. It’s flavorful, filling, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Jarred marinara or pasta sauce
Uncooked pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Alfredo Twist: Swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
Cheese Lover’s: Add provolone, fontina, or gouda for a more complex cheesy flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with roasted zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
To freeze, let the baked lasagna cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute with a slightly lighter texture and flavor.

Do I have to cook the pasta first?

Yes, for this version, the pasta should be cooked al dente before mixing and baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds up well and mixes easily with the sauce and cheese.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use the oven for the best texture, but the microwave works well for quick reheating.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Try ground turkey, chicken, , or plant-based meat substitutes.

Is it okay to use a different cheese?

Yes, mozzarella is classic, but you can experiment with any meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar.

Can I freeze this before baking?

Yes, assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen with an extra 15–20 minutes added to the cook time.

Conclusion

Lazy Lasagna is everything you love about traditional lasagna, but easier and quicker to prepare. With comforting layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese all mixed into one hearty bake, it’s a go-to dinner option for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.