Lazy Lasagna Casserole with Ricotta Cheese

This easy lazy lasagna casserole with ricotta cheese recipe is my kids’ favorite meal! No big messy noodles to cut, just throw it all together and enjoy all the same flavors together. Just like our popular Crockpot lasagna casserole but this one doesn’t have to cook all day!

Lazy Lasagna Casserole

Like our pressure cooker lasagna casserole, this had to be good. Deconstructed it would be lot easier to make than the traditional lasagna recipe since I wouldn’t be messing with long slippery kind of pasta that always tore when I tried to make it look pretty.  This way I could mix up all the ingredients that make lasagna taste so good, throw it in a casserole dish and top it with lots of cheese (there is never enough).

If your looking for a cheesy casserole your family will love this is a great one. You can use any sort of medium size noodles you want. I just use whatever brand and/or style are on sale since it really doesn’t matter. So I’ve deconstructed this traditional Italian meal and made enchilada lasagna, which was a hit, and for years I made our easy crockpot lasagna recipe that everyone just loved.

Lazy Lasagna with Ricotta

That too was much easier than how I had made it in the past since you didn’t have to boil the noodles but I really like bite sized noodles (and they’re easier with kids) so I used a box of penne pasta this time.

I boiled them as usual, mixed it all up in a large pot, and then poured it all in my favorite casserole dish here and popped it in the oven to really meld the flavor together, it turned out so yummy and just like lasagna!

1. Spaghetti sauce with meat sauce we like
2. Noodles – we used penne
3. Onion
4. Mushrooms
5. Parmesan
6. Ricotta
7. Eggs
8. Cottage cheese
9. Mozzarella
10. Sour cream
11. Salt and black pepper to taste once done

Use whatever type of ground meat you want, or go for vegetarian. Sausage – spicy Jimmy Dean sausage roll is great and packed with flavor (with a little heat). Sometimes when I make this or our ShipWreck Casserole I will use half and half so it has medium heat, but still some.

Easy Lasagna Casserole with Meat Sauce

If you love this idea but want to make it really really quick you can make this Hamburger HotDish as seen below, or we love this easy chicken tortilla bake too.

I tend to under season a bit when I cook (husband has blood pressure on the higher side), so if you like it really seasoned you might want to add a bit more seasoning and/or salt, or just sprinkle a bit on the top once you taste it but we love this easy lasagna casserole recipe as it is here!

Do you have to boil noodles to make lazy lasagna?

For this one you would. If you wanted to make everything together in a large pot on the stove you would follow our Lazy One Pot Spaghetti, with these noodles instead. When done, pour it into a baking dish with cheese to bake.

How to stop lasagne from being sloppy?

Use smaller noodles like we did here! Makes eating it a lot easier with less mess. You are going to start off by boiling some medium or small noodles as usual in a pot, drain and set aside.

I like to keep them just a bit al dente since they will bake a bit longer in the pot with sauce and in the oven too. You are NOT going to use traditional large lasagna noodles for this, medium shells work best I think.

• In another larger pot cook your sausage or ground beef over medium heat.
• Then add onions and cook until sausage is no longer pink and onions soften a bit. 
• Add your spaghetti or marinara sauce, turn heat to low. Stir. 
• Add all other ingredients into your pot except 1 c. of mozzarella cheese (that will be used at the end to top your casserole). 
• Add your cooked pasta that has been drained.
• Stir pasta mixture pour ricotta mixture into 9×12 baking dish (I spray with non stick spray beforehand). 
• Put aluminum foil on top of pasta casserole and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes just until it bubbles. 
• Take foil off, sprinkle last cups mozzarella cheese on top (could add parmesan cheese too) and put back in for 5 minutes.

Like our hot dog casserole, I serve with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, diced parsley or more cheese on top and just a side of rolls.

What can I add to lasagna to make it better?

Before I have made used small raviolis instead of just plain pasta! You can refer to our Frozen Ravioli Lasagna Recipe for that one. Still deconstructed in a sense that you don’t need to boil noodles ahead of time, just throw them in still frozen.

1. Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or parsley into your sauce or cheese mixture. These herbs add a burst of aroma and flavor that can brighten up the dish.
2. Adding minced or roasted garlic to your sauce layers can deepen the overall flavor profile of the lasagna.
3. For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your sauce or cheese mixture. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
4. Incorporate sautéed or blanched spinach or kale layers between the noodles for extra color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
5. Customize your ricotta cheese mixture by adding ingredients like grated Parmesan, lemon zest, or a pinch of nutmeg. These additions can enhance the creaminess and complexity of the filling.
6. Experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, fontina, cheddar, or provolone. A blend of cheeses can create a more dynamic flavor profile.
7. autéed mushrooms add a rich and earthy taste to the lasagna. You can layer them with the sauce and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
8. Incorporate caramelized onions into your sauce or as a layer between the noodles. Their sweetness can balance the savory elements of the dish.
9. If you’re making a meat lasagna, consider using a combination of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage for a more complex flavor. You can also try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
10. Adding a splash of red wine to your sauce can impart a depth of flavor and complexity. Be sure to cook off the alcohol before assembling the lasagna.
11. Chopped or sliced roasted red peppers can add a hint of smokiness and a touch of sweetness to the lasagna.
12. Thinly sliced and grilled or roasted eggplant or zucchini can be used like our Vegetable Lasagna with additional layers, providing a delightful texture and a hint of earthiness.
13. Layering a thin spread of pesto between the noodles can infuse the lasagna with a burst of fresh herb and nutty flavors.

Drizzling a balsamic glaze over the top of the baked lasagna just before serving can add a tangy sweetness that balances the richness. Remember that balance is key when adding ingredients to lasagna. Don’t overcrowd the dish with too many flavors. Jump to recipe and get started.